Latest News
Caesars Entertainment Appoints Rodney Williams to Board of Directors
Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced the appointment of Rodney Williams to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024, subject to required regulatory approvals and pending licensure. With a unique perspective derived from a track record of luxury brand-building, strategic and digital marketing, and corporate leadership, Williams will bring a distinct and innovative vision to the Caesars Entertainment Board of Directors.
“Rodney is an important addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team. Rodney’s career leading some of the world’s best-known beverage brands gives him unmatched perspective in the hospitality industry. His exceptional track record in luxury and premium brand building during his time with Diageo and LVMH and his continued commitment to the food and beverage industry through his service as a trustee and executive committee member of the James Beard Foundation will give us added insights into the continuing confluence of entertainment with the culinary arts as we shepherd Caesars Entertainment into the future,” Gary Carano, Executive Chairman of the Board of Caesars Entertainment, said.
Williams recently stepped down as President of the Diageo Beer Company and President of Diageo Canada, leaving a legacy of success. In that role, he oversaw new momentum for Guinness beer, with the brand becoming the fastest-growing on-premise brand in the US in 2023 and strong growth for Guinness 0, which made great strides in the US and became the top-selling non-alcoholic beer in Canada. His leadership also delivered unprecedented growth on Don Julio Tequila and Johnnie Walker Scotch in Canada, as well as a powerful national partnership with Bailey’s liqueur and the iconic Tim Horton’s chain.
Prior to joining Diageo in 2022, Williams spent 11 years at Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. His last role there was as Maison (or global) President of Belvedere Vodka – the first American to become a Maison president at Moet Hennessy. Previously, Williams served as Chief Marketing Officer for the entire US brand portfolio, ranging from Don Perignon and Krug Champagnes to Glenmorangie Scotch, and before that as SVP for Hennessy US. Under his leadership, the Hennessy business quadrupled in topline sales and operating profit over a five-year period.
Before joining LVMH, Williams served as SVP of Lifestyle Brands for Jackson Family Wines, where his team delivered the largest new product launch in the company’s history, Kendall Jackson Avant wines. Previously, Williams had been SVP for Lifestyle Wines at Robert Mondavi before and after its acquisition by Constellation Brands. Before joining the wine industry, Williams began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and General Motors.
“I’m pleased to have Rodney Williams join our Board of Directors. Rodney brings a different perspective to hospitality, having experienced it from the upper echelon of luxury beverage brands. His experience in innovation, digital and experiential marketing, and implementing optimization makes him a good strategic fit for our Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him to continue to drive results for our guests, Team Members, and shareholders,” Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said.
In addition to being a trustee of the James Beard Foundation, Williams serves on the Executive Leadership Council, is a director of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, and was a 2024 juror for the Cannes Lions marketing awards. He was recently named to the 2024 “Most Influential Black Corporate Leaders” list by Savoy magazine. He also advises three startups: Zitti, Qonsent, and CKBG.
Latest News
Endorphina Enters into Partnership with Luckia
Endorphina has entered into a partnership with Luckia, a leading company in the gaming sector. Combining Endorphina’s passion for slots with Luckia’s innovative spirit, this partnership is set to provide incredible gaming experiences to all iGaming enthusiasts.
Endorphina’s Senior Partnership Manager, Zdenek Llosa, shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with Luckia, a respected and influential operator in Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. This partnership is a significant step forward in our global expansion strategy, allowing us to reach new players and markets. We are confident that Luckia’s players will appreciate the quality and diversity of our games, and we look forward to a fruitful and enduring collaboration.”
Luckia is a commercial brand of Luckia Gaming Group that combines offline and online gaming, including traditional businesses such as gaming machines in bars and restaurants and gaming arcades, new online gaming activities, and land-based sports betting. By advancing the current concept surrounding gaming, Luckia aims to provide an extensive entertainment experience, democratizing gaming and making it a social, accessible, and trust-inspiring activity.
Eloy Fernandez, Head of Product at Luckia, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Endorphina, with Mexico being the first market to go live with their creative slot content on Luckia’s platform! Endorphina’s distinctive games will not only enhance our offering but also provide a fresh and engaging experience for our Mexican players. Their unique approach aligns with our mission to elevate entertainment and optimize our services in key markets.”
Compliance Updates
eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama
eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
Latest News
Aposta Ganha launches Black Friday promotion with new ambassador Luva de Pedreiro
Aposta Ganha, the fastest growing Brazilian sports betting and casino site in Brazil, has launched its Black Friday promotion with its newest ambassador Luva de Pedreiro, AKA Bricklayer’s Glove.
With over 21 million followers on Instagram, the digital influencer and social media phenomenon will strengthen the brand’s presence in the market and shake up Black Friday with a campaign full of special offers for bettors.
Known for his catchphrase “Receeeeba!” and his irreverent personality, Luva de Pedreiro will be the main face of the campaign, creating a direct connection with the public, football fans and social media enthusiasts. The partnership aims to increase Aposta Ganha’s visibility in the market, attract new bettors and offer an even more dynamic experience.
Aposta Ganha is taking advantage of Black Friday to reinforce its commitment to ethical and transparent operations in the market. The platform complies with the new regulations of the Federal Government and invests in education and awareness initiatives, ensuring a safe experience for its users. Vitor Paulin, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Aposta Ganha, said: “Signing an ambassador like Luva de Pedreiro is a huge milestone for Aposta Ganha. His authenticity and connection with the public make him the ideal partner to boost our brand and make the betting experience even more exciting.”
Aposta Ganha’s Black Friday brings unmissable offers for all types of bettors. One highlight is that bettors will receive 10% cashback on the amount lost in the Aviatrix game and daily offers for sports betting. The promotions will be valid from November 21 to 30, with exclusive advantages in selected games each day.
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