NEXT.io Podcast

Paris Smith’s career in online gaming spans more than two decades, which includes more than 12 years as CEO of Pinnacle (www.pinnacle.com), one of the world’s most respected online bookmakers. Paris’ unmatched understanding of the online gaming business has led to her advising governments to develop regulatory frameworks, as well as working closely with key industry service providers.

Ulrik Bengtsson was appointed CEO of WilliamHILL on 30 September 2019, having been appointed CEO Designate on 5 September 2019.

Kresimir Spajic is Senior Vice President of Online Gaming for Hard Rock International. Spajic is responsible for leading the vision, strategy and operational execution behind the brand’s investment across interactive gaming platforms. Spajic is instrumental in securing new strategic partnerships and future opportunities to further position Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos as a global leader in the international and online gaming spaces.

Spajic holds a multidisciplinary graduate degree in management, law and humanities from SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy), University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland) and De Montfort University (England). He is based in Hollywood, Fla., at the Hard Rock International headquarters.

Todd Haushalter is Chief Product Officer at Evolution Gaming. Todd is responsible for all aspects of Evolution’s game innovation and new product development, including the creation of award-winning titles such as MONOPOLY Live and Lightning Roulette. Prior to this, he was Corporate Vice President of Gaming Operations at MGM and Vice President of Business Strategy at Shuffle Master. He has a wide and varied knowledge of the casino industry.

Kresimir Spajic is Senior Vice President of Online Gaming for Hard Rock International. Spajic is responsible for leading the vision, strategy and operational execution behind the brand’s investment across interactive gaming platforms. Spajic is instrumental in securing new strategic partnerships and future opportunities to further position Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos as a global leader in the international and online gaming spaces.

Spajic holds a multidisciplinary graduate degree in management, law and humanities from SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy), University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland) and De Montfort University (England). He is based in Hollywood, Fla., at the Hard Rock International headquarters.

David Flynn is a Management Executive with over 17 years of iGaming experience across both B2B and B2C verticals of the Online Gaming market.

Currently, David is responsible for the strategic direction of Glitnor Group, encompassing its customer-facing brands, Luckycasino and Gambola and its rapidly growing B2B vertical Swintt.

Jesper Kärrbrink has a background in e-commerce, media and gambling. Several CEO positions since 1993, among those; Svenska Spel and Mr Green. Co-founder of gaming studio Green Jade Games.

Robin Eirik Reed Co-founded GiG 10 years ago and successfully grew the company to €150m revenue. In 2019, Robin became an inductee in the iGaming IDOL Hall of Fame. He has launched his new iGaming operator, Ichiban.

Manuel started in the gambling industry with BetBrain in 2005 in Bucharest, before relocating to London in 2008 to join Unibet. Manuel held roles focused on Central and Eastern Europe until 2012 when he moved on to the Head of Digial Marketing role and later Brand Marketing Director. In 2018, Manuel moved to New York to start Kindred’s operations in the US.

Manuel holds a BSc in International Business at Bucharest University of Economic studies and more recently completed an Executive Management Program at Yale School of Management.

Phil Pearson is the Head of white labels and sales for iGaming Group and iGaming Platform, who specialise in a fully managed casino solution for MGA or curacao based operations. With a cutting edge back office, gamification, over 6000 games and counting, and fully managed CS and payment solutions, they are leading the market moving into 2021. Not one to shy away from controversy Phil is very outspoken on LinkedIn and other platforms, pushing for a fairer and more open igaming community. Outside of work Phil enjoys NFL, visiting as many random and remote holiday destinations as possible, and has 22 rubber ducks in a pool.