Global Gaming Awards Americas 2025: Executive of the Year nominees announced
The 12th annual Global Gaming Awards Americas are just over a month away, and anticipation is building. While the full Shortlist across all categories will be revealed in the coming days, today we are proud to announce the 25 nominees for the Executive of the Year award, sponsored by Soft2Bet.
Since 2014, the Global Gaming Awards have recognized and celebrated the individuals and companies that drive innovation, excellence, and growth across the Americas gaming industry and beyond. These Awards remain the most respected in the sector thanks to the rigorous shortlisting and voting processes that ensure fairness and credibility.
“Each year, the Global Gaming Awards celebrate those who set the benchmark for leadership and vision in our industry,” said Mariya Savova, Event Manager of the Global Gaming Awards.
“Behind every success story in gaming, there’s an executive making bold decisions, embracing innovation, and inspiring their teams to achieve more. This year’s nominees are the perfect example of this, and we are delighted to honor them,” she added.
Listed in no particular order, here is the 2025 Shortlist for Executive of the Year:
Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, DraftKings: Lori Kalani, DraftKings’ first Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, has been instrumental in advancing the company’s commitment to responsible play. Since her 2024 appointment, she has led education efforts, promoted player tools and oversaw DraftKings involvement in ROGA as a founding member. Her leadership has helped generate over six million responsible gaming page visits in Q1 2025 alone – a powerful testament to her influence.
Adam Greenblatt, CEO, BetMGM: In a competitive and evolving industry with various new factors, Adam Greenblatt leads with transparency and data-led decision making. As the only CEO of a top-tier joint venture operator, Greenblatt continues to deftly manage internal and external complexities amid market pressure to steer BetMGM from hyper-growth to profitability. Under his leadership, FY24 net revenue was $2.1bn, while Q125 revenue grew another 34% YoY to $657m, showcasing growth in player engagement and retention.
Martin Storm, Chief Executive Officer, BMM Innovation Group: Martin Storm has transformed BIG into a global leader in gaming compliance, cybersecurity, and training. Under his leadership, BIG has expanded to 16 countries, achieved eight consecutive years of revenue growth, and launched BIG Cyber and RG24seven. Storm’s visionary, ethical leadership and commitment to innovation, integrity, and protection continue to shape a safer, more responsible, and high-performing global gaming industry.
Andrea Rossi, Commercial Director LatAm, Betsson: As Commercial Director for Latin America, Andrea Rossi has been instrumental in Betsson’s 70% YoY revenue growth in the region. He oversaw launches in Colombia, Brazil and Paraguay, opened hubs in Bogotá and Buenos Aires, and secured a 5-year agreement with Boca Juniors. Under his leadership, Argentina hit record revenue and LatAm now contributes 25% of Betsson’s Group revenue. Rossi’s strategic leadership continues to drive sustainable, high-impact growth across the Americas.
Zoe Ebling, VP Interactive, AGS: Zoe Ebling has transformed the AGS Interactive Division into a hub of innovation and growth, doubling game output and leading industry-first omnichannel launches. Her customer-first, data-driven approach secured key partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars, expanding AGS into new markets. Delivering the company’s top-performing digital products, Ebling’s visionary yet hands-on leadership has made her a standout executive and one of the industry’s most influential leaders.
John Connelly, Global CEO, Interblock: As Global CEO, John Connelly has led Interblock through transformational growth, expanding into 348 jurisdictions across 145 countries and over 200 product variations. He played a key role in establishing ETGs as a casino floor staple, and his leadership secured Interblock’s acquisition by Oaktree Capital. This past year, he launched a Class II portfolio and introduced AMUSE, a category which is reshaping casino entertainment, and will continue to shape the future of gaming worldwide.
Matt Wilson, President & CEO, Light & Wonder: Matt Wilson is an exemplary leader whose strategic vision and operational expertise have positioned L&W as a leading cross-platform global games company. Wilson has transformed L&W into three unique yet complementary businesses, all aimed at creating the world’s greatest games. With over two decades of experience in the gaming industry, he’s recognized for his ability to drive YoY double-digit growth and capitalize on new business opportunities.
Kenji Hall, General Manager, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel: Kenji Hall brings 30+ years of gaming and hospitality experience. Under his leadership, Yaamava’ became the largest casino in the West with over 7.4K slots, and the only AAA Five-Diamond casino resort. It also became the place where the hottest new slot games have their worldwide premiere. Hall champions innovation and culture for more than 7,000 employees, driving industry-leading initiatives and a people-first workplace.
Amy Howe, CEO, FanDuel: Amy Howe has led FanDuel through a period of hyper growth since 2021, cementing its position as the clear US market leader in both online sports betting and iGaming, as well as the first mobile operator to achieve full-year profitability. Her focus on building a sustainable long-term business has seen FanDuel lead the industry in responsible gaming across product development, advocacy, and direct investment to support organizations. An advocate for the power of diversity in driving business performance, Howe has launched several efforts within FanDuel to unlock talent development.
Natalia Torres, Head of Region Latin America, Evolution: Natalia Torres has played a pivotal role in Evolution’s expansion and leadership across Latin America. In 2025, she was one of the key figures who drove the launch of Brazil’s first fully localised live casino studio, a landmark achievement for both Evolution and the regulated iGaming market in Brazil. Her vision and leadership have strengthened partnerships, and positioned Evolution as a trusted market leader in the region.
Matt Heap, Managing Director, ProhiBet: Matt Heap was instrumental to the successful launch of ProhiBet, the industry’s first prohibited bettor solution. In the past year, under his leadership, the company significantly advanced sports betting safety and fairness across the Americas by deploying its ProhiBet tools, conducting over 70 million checks, launching the ProhiBet SE self-exclusion tool, expanding educational outreach in collegiate and state partnerships, and introducing a company-wide eLearning platform, all aimed at empowering individuals and fostering industry-wide responsibility.
David Natroshvili, Founder & CEO, SPRIBE: David Natroshvili has revolutionized iGaming with the global success of Aviator, which remains the most popular online game in Brazil. Under his leadership, Spribe pioneered new forms of social and interactive gaming that resonate with younger audiences, driving unprecedented engagement across Latin America and beyond. In 2024, he spearheaded a high-profile partnership with Brazilian boxer and influencer Jully Poca, further elevating Aviator’s brand visibility and cultural relevance.
George Daskalakis, Founder & CEO, Kaizen Gaming: Daskalakis has driven Betano’s rise as one of Latin America’s fastest-growing operators, leading its rapid entry into key markets such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. His leadership has combined innovative product offerings with high-profile sponsorships of major football clubs and tournaments, creating strong brand visibility and loyalty across the region. This strategic vision has fueled exceptional growth while positioning Betano as one of the most trusted and recognizable brands in Latin America, especially within Brazil’s newly regulated market.
Stacy Shaw, Senior Manager for Product Marketing, Oregon Lottery: Stacy Shaw leads Product Marketing, Customer Experience, and Responsible Gaming programs for the Oregon Lottery. Over the past decade, she has built one of the country’s most respected Responsible Gaming programs, collaborating across diverse stakeholder groups to advance awareness, education, and player protection. Her efforts were nationally recognized earlier this year when the Oregon Lottery earned four top honors from the National Council on Problem Gambling. Shaw herself received the Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence, underscoring her impact on shaping the future of RG.
Alex Fonseca, CEO, Superbet Brazil: Alex Fonseca has rapidly positioned Superbet as a rising force in Brazil. Under his leadership, the company has secured landmark partnerships, including São Paulo FC and naming rights to Brazil’s Série B, alongside sponsorship of multiple state championships. Fonseca has also emphasized the responsibility of being among the first licensed operators in Brazil, working to shape a sustainable betting market while safeguarding the industry’s future. His vision balances strong brand growth with a long-term commitment to responsible operations, positioning Superbet as both a market innovator and a trusted partner in Brazil’s evolving gaming landscape.
Sara Dutschke, Chairwoman, Ione Band of Miwok Indians: Sara Dutschke’s career has been dedicated to advancing Tribal sovereignty and development, with extensive experience advising Tribal clients on governance, government relations, and business and economic development, which includes gaming, energy, conventional and bond financing, and tax analysis. As Chairwoman of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, she has shown visionary leadership in driving the Tribe’s economic and community development initiatives. Most notably, she played a pivotal role in securing $110m in financing for the long-awaited Acorn Ridge Casino project, a landmark development 20 years in the making.
Dr. Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director, Responsible Online Gaming Association: With over two decades of experience in the RG field, Dr. Jennifer Shatley was appointed Executive Director of ROGA upon its launch last year. In just over twelve months, she has positioned the organization as a unifying force setting higher standards for the US iGaming and sports betting industry. She is leading ROGA in its mission to advance independent research, champion best practices, and expand consumer and industry education around responsible play. Her commitment to building a sustainable and accountable market firmly establishes her as one of the most influential executives in the industry today.
Bill Carstanjen, CEO, Churchill Downs Incorporated: Bill Carstanjen’s ability to balance ambitious growth with prudent decision-making has positioned Churchill Downs as one of the strongest and most resilient operators in North America. In 2024, under his leadership, CDI delivered record financial results with revenue reaching $2.7bn and adjusted EBITDA up 13%. He continues to elevate the Kentucky Derby to new heights and expand CDI’s portfolio of properties while strengthening shareholder value through strategic capital discipline.
Anthony Williams, President & CEO, DRA and Q Casino + Resort: Anthony Williams, formerly Senior Vice President of Operations Strategy and QE Development at MGM Resorts, brought his extensive experience in shaping large-scale operations and strategy to his new role as President & CEO of the Dubuque Racing Association and Q Casino + Resort earlier this year. Since stepping in, his strategic vision has already energized momentum behind the ongoing renovation and expansion of Q Casino’s resort amenities and its future plans for the continued development of Schmitt Island.
Allie Evangelista, President, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol: Since 2022, Allie Evangelista has led Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol’s evolution from a temporary facility into a premier regional destination. She oversaw the opening of the $515m+ full-scale resort, featuring a 300+ hotel rooms, 2,000-seat entertainment venue, and a state-of-the-art casino – all developed with a strong commitment to serve the community. Her strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep community ties firmly establish her as one of the industry’s most impactful leaders.
Tom Jingoli, President & COO, Konami Gaming: Tom Jingoli was promoted earlier this year to President & Chief Operating Officer of Konami Gaming, Inc., and Managing Director of Konami Australia Pty Ltd, marking a milestone achievement after serving the company for more than two decades with strategic leadership across a variety of areas, including compliance, sales, marketing, and customer service. His deep industry knowledge, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to market expansion position Konami Gaming for continued global growth and innovation, and cement Jingoli’s place amongst the leaders who drive the global gaming industry forward.
Penny Parayo, SVP & General Manager, Live! Casino Virginia: An industry veteran with over 30 years of operational leadership, Penny Parayo was appointed SVP and General Manager for Live! Casino Virginia earlier this year, bringing deep brand knowledge from her service at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, MD. She’s now steering the development, opening, and day‑to‑day management of the temporary facility in Petersburg, VA – featuring 75,000 sq ft of gaming space – as a strategic interim launchpad for the full-scale $1.4bn resort, scheduled to open in 2027. Parayo’s leadership is setting Live! Casino Virginia on a trajectory toward becoming a flagship regional entertainment destination.
Craig Billings, CEO, Wynn Resorts: Since becoming CEO in 2022, Craig Billings has evolved every component of Wynn Resorts’ business – F&B, retail, entertainment programming, and gaming – cementing Wynn & Encore Las Vegas as must-visit destinations in the city. Under his leadership, Wynn delivered a record EBITDA year in 2024 while continuing to set the global benchmark for luxury, with more Forbes Five-Star awards than any other independent hotel company. He has also reinforced Wynn’s international strength through continued investment in Macau and bold new projects such as the highly anticipated Al Marjan Island development in the UAE. Billings’ strategic vision firmly positions Wynn at the forefront of the industry.
Mary Cheeks, President & General Manager, Jamul Casino Resort: Since 2018, Mary Cheeks, a seasoned leader with over 30 years in casino management and casino finance, has led Jamul Casino Resort through an ownership transition, successful rebranding, and team optimization. This year, following years of hard work, dedication and vision, she unveiled the property’s new state-of-the-art boutique hotel tower, marking a new era in Southern California hospitality. Her leadership earned her the NAACP San Diego’s Excellence in Advocacy Award in 2024, recognizing her commitment to community engagement, equality, and support for those around her.
Matthew Morgan, Chairman, OIGA: Matthew Morgan has dedicated many years of service to advancing sovereignty and economic opportunity for Oklahoma’s Tribal nations. As Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, he ensures that OIGA fulfills its core purpose of educating and disseminating information to Tribal, federal, and state governments, as well as the general public, on critical issues relating to Tribal government gaming. In addition to his service to OIGA, Chairman Morgan also serves as envoy for the Chickasaw Nation, having previously served a number of roles at his Tribe over more than two decades. His visionary leadership and steadfast advocacy, firmly establish him as a prominent industry figure.
Leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider Soft2Bet is the proud sponsor of the Executive of the Year category. Other category sponsors for 2025 include: SPRIBE, Aristocrat Gaming, Interblock Gaming, GammaSweep, Playtech, and NOVOMATIC. BetConstruct returns as the event’s Lead Partner and KPMG has once again been appointed as the independent voting adjudicator.
The winners will be chosen by a panel of senior industry leaders with extensive expertise in the Americas market, with only one executive per company allowed to cast a vote.
The full Shortlist across all categories will be published in the coming days on the event’s official website.
This year’s winners will be revealed during a luncheon ceremony on Day 1 of G2E, October 6, 2025, at The Venetian Las Vegas. The ceremony will also be live streamed at 12:30pm PT / 3:30pm ET for those who can’t attend in person.
A limited number of tables remain available for booking through the Awards’ official website. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the industry’s most prestigious celebration.
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