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Harald Neumann steps down as Ainsworth CEO

His resignation comes after multiple investigations by foreign authorities, as well as the Nevada Gaming Control Board recommendation that his license be withdrawn.

3 min read
Ainsworth CEO Harald Neumann resigns
Key Points
Neumann has held the role of CEO at Ainsworth for four years
He previously worked for Novomatic for a further 11 years
He had been investigated by the Austrian regulatory authorities

Harald Neumann has resigned from his position as CEO of Ainsworth, effective immediately.

Neumann had been under investigation by Austrian authorities in 2019, although those investigations did not capture wider attention until earlier this year.

As part of the process to renew his gaming license, Neumann met with Nevada authorities to see whether he was fit to continue running Ainsworth.

During the hearing with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, retired judge George Assad told Neumann "your whole attitude stinks" as he repeatedly evaded questions.

The NGCB subsequently described Neumann as disrespectful, intentionally misleading, hostile and belligerent.

He was asked about potential activities, including seeking favours from far-right politicians, dating staff members and concealing messages from authorities.

Ainsworth had previously released a statement, saying: "Based on information from WKStA, we are advised that all (except for one) of the investigations involving Mr Neumann and/or Novomatic AG have been discontinued with the necessary approvals being received from the relevant Austrian regulatory authorities with no findings of wrongdoing."

However, once the NGCB recommended that his gambling license be withdrawn, the company confirmed that Neumann would be succeeded by Ryan Cornstock, the current COO, who will transition to Acting CEO.

{{QUOTE}}You have to be a person of good character, honesty and integrity, and what I've seen here on the record for the past hour does not support such a finding{{/QUOTE} - Chandeni Sendall, NGCB Board Member,

Good to know

Comstock was previously an Audit Senior Manager at Deloitte for nine years, before joining Ainsworth Game Technology in 2012

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