People news 18/04/13
The latest people moves from the egaming industry in the last seven days (12 April to 18 April 2013).
AGA appoints new president
Geoff Freeman previously served as COO of the US Travel Association
Gambling lobby group the American Gaming Association has appointed Geoff Freeman as its new president and CEO, filling the vacancy left by the departure of former incumbent Frank Fahrenkopf in January.
Freeman is believed to have been one of four candidates for the role, following a search conducted by recruitment company Korn/Ferry International.
Richard Haddrill, former Bally Technologies CEO and chairman of the AGA board of directors, described former US Travel Association COO Freeman as “a thoughtful and energetic leader who already understands our industry”.
“[Freeman] has a deep public policy background and extensive network of relationships in Washington, and has the skills to build coalitions and execute grass-roots campaigns,” Haddrill added.
Freeman, who previously had spells with public affairs firm APCO Worldwide and America’s Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), has served with the US Travel Association since 2006, initially as senior vice president of public affairs before taking on the role of COO in 2011.
“As gaming grows around the globe, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with other aspects of the travel community and advancing policies that can empower our industry to thrive for years to come,” Freeman said.
Seven days in people news:
Former Tilt CEO Bitar to avoid further jail time
Former Full Tilt chief executive Ray Bitar pled guilty on Tuesday and was sentenced to time served as well as forfeiture of his assets, believed to include his properties and US$40m in cash.
The Black Friday indictee is suffering from a serious heart condition requiring him to undergo a transplant. Bitar’s legal team requested he avoid jail time due to the condition, with Preska agreeing the severity of his heart troubles meant prison would likely be a “sentence of death”, reports the Associated Press.
Bitar appeared before US district court judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan via a videotape from a Los Angeles courtroom. In his plea, Bitar said: “I regret my actions. I know they were wrong and illegal. I am very sorry.”
Hornby backed by Coral board as HBOS investigation continues
Coral managing director and former Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) CEO Andy Hornby has been backed by the operator’s board of directors as an investigation into the bank is set to scrutinise his role in HBOS’ downfall.
A spokesperson for Coral said that the company was “delighted” with Hornby’s work as CEO, noting that the company’s “recent strong performance” has coincided with his tenure. “Andy has the full backing of Coral’s board of directors,” the spokesperson added.
WMS Gaming appoints new CTO
WMS Gaming has named Tony Belkin as its new chief technology officer and vice president of engineering.
Belkin has taken on a role previously occupied by Laurie Lasseter, who will continue to work at WMS Gaming as executive technology advisor.