The iGaming sector is witnessing robust growth, marked by the emergence of dynamic new gaming enterprises. Simultaneously, a cohort of accomplished young professionals and entrepreneurs is actively shaping the landscape, occupying influential leadership roles that propel the gambling industry to unprecedented heights.
Evolutionary Phases In order to gain deeper insights into the identities and aspirations of these ambitious young leaders, we have curated a collection of exceptional CEOs and seasoned decision-makers within the industry. We have navigated our speakers through their journeys to the C-suite, unraveling the obstacles they encountered while ascending to the pinnacle of the industry.
Igamingfuture approaches this interview as a consultative session, where accomplished young individuals share their triumphs. This aims to guide their aspirational counterparts inforging successful careers within the sector while concurrently advancing the iGaming domain.
Speakers
Alex Lorimer, Chief Operating Officer of Gaming Corps
Georgy Tsutskiridze, commercial director of Spribe
Alina Dandorfer, co-founder and director of Apparat Gaming
Troy Paul, CEO of SGG Media
David Mann, CEO of Swintt
Alexey Yaroshenko, CEO of Betbazar
Chris Scicluna, CEO of Livespins
Can you briefly describe your career path to senior management?
Alex Lorimer:
I commenced my tenure at Gaming Corps as the Head of Business Development, where my primary focus was expanding the customer base and contributing to product development. Joining during the company's transition from gaming to iGaming added an extra layer of complexity to my role.
Before this, at iSoftBet, I served as the team leader for the account management department. Despite my primary role, I found myself deeply involved in various aspects of the company's day-to-day operations, including sales, product, marketing, data, finance, compliance, and technical support.
My willingness to explore different facets of the business led me to provide pre-sales assistance, drawing on my comprehensive understanding of the entire company. Despite being relatively young and lacking senior management experience, I took on the responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of Gaming Corps, a risk inherent in being part of a small startuptransitioning into iGaming.
My broad knowledge of the iGaming industry, gained through hands-on experience, allowed me to address customer queries comprehensively. While my lack of experience posed challenges, the alternative path I embarked on ultimately led to significant success. This success was only possible due to the incredible team we assembled and the unwavering trust and support, particularly from CEO Juha Kauppinen and CBDO Bulent Balikci, who believed in my potential despite my initial inexperience and naivety.
Georgy Tsutskiridze:
My progression to the role of Chief Commercial Officer at SPRIBE, the developer of the world's leading crash game, Aviator, has been both enjoyable and fulfilling. Armed with a degree from Harvard Business School, I have navigated through pivotal leadership roles at esteemed companies such as BetConstruct, VBet, and Adjarabet.
In addition to my corporate engagements, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing and spearheading HawX, a CRM company specializing in the online gambling sector. HawX is dedicated to elevating the online casino experience by enhancing acquisition and retention strategies.
Beyond the realm of gambling, I further diversified my experience by founding Eruditu, an innovative online e-learning platform. Eruditu serves as a space where individuals can engage in educational courses and share their experiences through course downloads and completions.
Balancing the roles of entrepreneur and corporate leader equipped me with a versatile skill set and a profound understanding of the multifaceted elements that contribute to a business's success. This distinctive blend paved the way for my rapid ascent to a leadership position at SPRIBE.
My business acumen and varied experiences have also led to opportunities to lecture at esteemed Georgian universities, including Caucasus University, Caucasus Business School, and University of Business Technologies. In these academic settings, I impart insights on business and leadership, aiming to inspire the next generation of young leaders.
Alina Dandorfer:
My professional journey began with a degree in International Relations, followed by global travel adventures before joining the renowned German land-based gambling and entertainment giant, SCHMIDT Gruppe. Starting as a project manager, my interactions with software developers laid a strong foundation for my subsequent career steps.
An enticing opportunity arose a few years later when I was offered a position at Bally Wulff, Germany's third-largest slot machine manufacturer. Over the following six years, I assumed various roles in organizational development, recruiting, and project management. My curiosity and dedication to learning propelled me into diverse projects in management and finance within the organization.
Towards the end of my tenure at Bally Wulff, I faced a new challenge when someone approached me to support the inception of a startup. This second project sparked a desire to transition away from the iGaming industry. I even had a leadership position awaiting me in another industry, tasked with building a business from scratch. However, the founding team's idea of launching Apparat Gaming matured during this period, compelling me to embark on the journey of establishing my own company. Thus, Apparat Gaming was born.
Troy Paul:
Embarking on my journey, SGG Media was born in 2020. Freshly graduated from NYU, I collaborated with my father to launch our company, focusing on micro-influencing audiences on social media. Recognizing a substantial market opportunity, our collective experience and skills positioned us perfectly to capitalize on it.
The social media/content industry is a rare domain where youth affords developers a distinct edge in terms of credibility. It stands out as one of the industries where young individuals, in certain aspects, exhibit more experience than their older counterparts.
Assuming the role of President in the early days, I seamlessly transitioned to the position of CEO in early 2022. This evolution was a natural progression, given my expertise in both the operations and sales facets of our company.
David Mann:
Prior to joining Swintt, I amassed almost a decade of experience in the broader industry, primarily focusing on early-stage development in provider startups and assisting B2B startupswithin the iGaming sector.
My journey with Swintt began as the Business Development Director, and after two years, I transitioned into the role of Commercial Director. In my previous position, I greatly benefited from the experience and leadership of David Flynn, which equipped me with the tools necessary to progress to the role of CEO.
Undoubtedly, the journey has presented its share of challenges, but I am gratified that it has propelled me to the position I hold today.
Alex Yaroshenko:
Around 13 years ago, fate or serendipity led me into the iGaming industry through friends who were already immersed in the business. Intrigued by their assertion that it held tremendous global development potential, I delved deeper into the field. As a young professional, I was recommended to one of the world's largest providers, then known as Betgenius and now rebranded as Genius Sports.
Joining as a business development manager in the CIS region, my role entailed extensive travel, numerous meetings, and negotiations, revealing the dynamic elements that drive the industry. Over time, recognizing a promising niche in "fast games," our team honed in on this aspect, leading to significant success.
Part of our strategy was for each partner to specialize in their area of expertise, and for me, it was business development. This strategy culminated in the creation of Betbazar, functioning as a marketplace where we facilitate deals, identify partners, and assist individuals in seamlessly and successfully entering the industry.
Chris Scicluna:
When reflecting on my trajectory to senior management, it becomes evident that my path has been intricately tied to deep involvement in product development within the iGaming industry. Approximately 15 years ago, my career commenced as a product designer, unveiling my innate passion for crafting innovative game experiences.
This role served as a launching pad, propelling me into a pivotal position with the renowned operator Mr Green. Leading the mobile team, I played a key role in orchestrating exponential growth for our mobile product within a mere six months. This experience significantly shaped my understanding of user preferences in product design and cultivated my awareness of market trends.
Transitioning to Casumo, a progressive Scandinavian operator in the iGaming sector, I took charge of the company's strategy and gamification. Progressing further, I assumed leadership of the entire product team, refining my leadership skills and deepening my expertise in product lifecycle management. This role ensured that all delivered products met high standards and aligned with market expectations.
After a successful stint at Casumo, my journey led me to HPYHR as the Chief Product Officer, where I leveraged my rich experience in product development and strategy. This position allowed me to significantly contribute to the development of premier operator brands, including the inception of Livespins.
Livespins captivated my attention due to its vast potential and positive industry reception. Recognizing its growth prospects and being involved from its inception, I assumed the role of CEO, guiding Livespins from an early start-up to a promising B2B iGaming business.
As the CEO, my primary focus is on maintaining a robust, product-centric approach throughout the organization, ensuring ongoing innovation and leadership within our sector.
Getting a role at such a young age is a great achievement. What do you think was the main reason for this success?
Troy Paul:
Securing a significant role at a young age is undeniably a noteworthy achievement. Reflecting on this success, I attribute it to a commitment to continuous learning, regardless of age. Mentorship has been a pivotal factor in my journey as a CEO. Remaining receptive to ideas, learning from those around me, and embracing constructive criticism have accelerated my ascent through the ranks, although I acknowledge there's still much to learn.
I consider myself fortunate to have a stellar team of advisors who have significantly contributed to my ongoing success. The combination of my ambition to excel in this industry and my readiness to absorb lessons from seasoned individuals has positioned me where I am today.
I emphasize the significance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share a common vision and can be trusted. As a young entrepreneur, establishing trust with advisors is crucial, knowing that mutual support is readily available during challenging times. The ability to trust and collaborate with a team that aligns with your vision is paramount in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Chris Scicluna:
Securing a CEO position at a relatively young age in the competitive iGaming industry is indeed a noteworthy accomplishment, and I attribute it to several key factors. One crucial element is my adaptable leadership style, enabling me to solve problems and navigate the dynamic changes inherent in the industry. This flexibility has empowered me to push personal boundaries, rebound from setbacks, and consistently pursue innovation and excellence.
Equally significant is my intimate knowledge of the product. Having spent years in various product development and strategy roles, I've cultivated a deep understanding of the factors contributing to a product's success in the iGaming market. This knowledge plays a pivotal role in making informed decisions, predicting market trends, and tailoring our products to meet user needs and preferences.
My genuine interest in the industry is another critical factor. A mindset of continuous learning and exploration is essential in the dynamic field of iGaming. Natural curiosity drives me to stay informed about new technologies, evolving consumer behavior, and emerging market opportunities. This curiosity serves as a catalyst for innovation and continual improvement in my work.
Lastly, adopting an approach of humility and curiosity is fundamental. Leadership grounded in humility enables me to embrace new ideas, learn from others, and foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture. This approach not only enriches my own understanding but also creates an environment where those around me can thrive, leading to extraordinary results through collective efforts.
Georgy Tsutskiridze:
For me, success is intricately tied to my leadership character, erudition, and extensive experience. The ability to lead effectively, coupled with an unwavering desire to continue learning, has propelled me to swift advancements and crucial career milestones at a relatively young age.
Leveraging the wealth of experience acquired through diverse leadership and entrepreneurial roles, I have cultivated the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fiercely competitive online gambling industry. This proficiency positions me as a valuable asset to companies like Spribe.
Alex Yaroshenko:
I've always emphasized the significance of surrounding myself with the right people – building a robust team of like-minded individuals and learning to motivate them for the betterment of society and business. The support, professionalism, and personal qualities of my team have been instrumental in achieving what I have today, and everything has progressed much faster with their collaboration.
Integral to this is clear communication and a comprehensive understanding of how things operate, both internally and externally. This understanding doesn't just stem from within but extends to conversations with others in the industry, gaining insights into their business dynamics. While some may have started with a revolutionary product, our success was rooted in a slightly different approach to fundamental aspects.
Although our idea itself wasn't unique, as the product already existed in several markets, it found success in our case due to the exceptional team we assembled. Their dedication and collective efforts were key contributors to our achievements in a competitive industry.
Alina Dandorfer:
One could say I took a shortcut, stepping into the role of an entrepreneur as a co-founder of the company. Did I question if I was right for this position? Were doubts and fears present? Certainly, these thoughts crossed my mind. However, entrusted with this responsibility by my co-founders, I embraced the challenge, rolled up my sleeves, and embarked on an exciting new adventure.
In my preceding roles, I shouldered responsibilities for diverse projects, re-engineered work processes, managed teams, oversaw project cost reports, and played a pivotal role in developing and implementing corporate strategies. Leveraging this wealth of experience, combined with genuine curiosity and a strong desire to explore and learn, emerged as decisive factors in navigating this entrepreneurial journey.
Alex Lorimer:
A pivotal aspect of executing high-level strategies and advancing in my career was rooted in the relationships I established during my tenure as an Account Manager. As a manager, I consistently went above and beyond for everyone, irrespective of the size of the business, and the reciprocation from many of these individuals has been invaluable.
These established connections were willing to collaborate closely with us, delving into the intricacies of the market climate and player preferences. This collaborative effort played a crucial role in crafting a product tailored to the specific needs of both operators and players. Thanks to this wealth of experience, I didn't have to rely on guesswork and hope; instead, I could draw upon informed insights garnered from these established relationships.
David Mann:
Reflecting on my journey to senior management, there's a touch of humor in acknowledging that being born at the right time certainly worked in our favor! On a serious note, various factors played a role in my ascent. Beyond the element of being in the right place at the right time, what holds more tangible value is the invaluable mentorship I've received.
This mentorship traces back to my time at Swintt, where I had the privilege of working under David Flynn before assuming my current role as CEO. I hold immense appreciation for his guidance, patience, and the trust he instills in those he works with. This mentorship has undeniably played a monumental role in shaping my career trajectory.
