Global Gaming Insider is delighted to unveil the Executive of the Year Shortlist for the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026.
Executive of the Year is the only category at this year’s Awards to feature 25 nominees, compared with 10 across each of the other categories, reflecting both the breadth of leadership across the Americas and the exceptional caliber of executives considered for this year’s honor.
The category recognizes senior executives who have demonstrated outstanding leadership over the past 12 months and made a significant contribution to their company and the wider gaming industry.
This year’s Shortlist brings together leaders from across North and South America, representing commercial and Tribal gaming, iGaming, sports betting and the supplier sector. Each has earned their place through achievements over the past year, whether by delivering significant growth, overseeing major investments and expansion, driving innovation, strengthening player protection or successfully guiding their organizations through a rapidly evolving industry.
Mariya Savova, Marketing Director at Global Gaming Insider, said: “Executive of the Year is always one of the most difficult Shortlists for our team to determine. There is an incredible amount of leadership talent across the Americas, which is why this is the only category where we recognize 25 nominees rather than 10.
“What stands out when looking through this year’s Shortlist is the variety of achievements behind each nomination. These are executives leading very different businesses and organizations, but every one of them has made a tangible impact over the past 12 months. Narrowing the list down to 25 was no easy task, and everyone featured thoroughly deserves the recognition.”
Listed in no particular order, the nominees for the Executive of the Year award, together with the reasons for their nominations, are:
Peter Arceo, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation: With more than 30 years of gaming experience, Peter Arceo has become a defining leader within Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s expanding gaming and hospitality enterprise. As Chief Gaming Officer, he provides strategic direction across Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort, helping deliver a consistent, world-class gaming experience across both properties. His influence also extends into the Tribe’s wider hospitality portfolio, which includes Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Monarch Beach Golf Links and the recently acquired Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. As Yaamava’ celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, Arceo continues to guide its gaming strategy while strengthening the wider enterprise’s position within North American gaming and hospitality. His ability to combine operational expertise, market knowledge and long-term strategic thinking has made him a highly respected Tribal gaming executive.
Carsten Koerl, Sportradar: Having built Sportradar into a global sports technology leader, Founder and CEO Carsten Koerl continues to drive its next phase of growth through strategic expansion, investment and innovation. Koerl led the landmark acquisition of IMG ARENA’s sports betting rights portfolio, adding relationships with more than 70 rightsholders and expanding Sportradar’s access to properties including Grand Slam tennis, MLS, PGA TOUR and UFC. He has also accelerated investment in AI-powered technology, including 4Sight, while expanding the company into adjacent opportunities such as iGaming. The strategy has delivered strong results, with Sportradar generating approximately €1.29bn (US$1.5bn) in revenue and nearly €297m (US$346m) in adjusted EBITDA in 2025. Through continued investment in premium content, technology and innovation, Koerl remains a defining force in the global sports data ecosystem.
Mandi Hart, Sightline Payments: As Head of Product at Sightline Payments, Mandi Hart has played a central role in advancing how payments are delivered across regulated gaming. She led the development and launch of Sightline Debit, an integrated payments solution designed to reduce operator costs and withdrawal-driven churn while maintaining the security, visibility and auditability required within regulated gaming. Hart worked closely with operators, banking partners and regulatory stakeholders to bring the product to market across multiple jurisdictions, while her wider leadership has helped Sightline maintain 99.9% uptime during major product launches. Beyond product development, she has become a respected industry voice on payment modernization and compliance, sharing her expertise at industry events across the globe.
Ryan Comstock, Ainsworth: Ryan Comstock’s appointment as CEO of Ainsworth in May 2026 marked the latest chapter in a 14-year career with the gaming supplier, during which he has progressed from finance leadership through to COO, Interim CEO and ultimately Chief Executive. His deep understanding of the business has enabled him to lead a period of organizational change, strengthening Ainsworth’s leadership team and sharpening its focus on product performance and growth. That strategy is already delivering results, with Dragon Legacy achieving the #1 and #2 positions in Eilers & Krejcik Gaming’s Top New Core Video Games rankings, alongside strong performance from titles including San Fa, Five Fortunes and Triple Troves. Through a combination of continuity, talent development and renewed strategic focus, Ryan is helping position Ainsworth for its next phase of growth.
Dawn Clayton, Thunder Valley Casino Resort: Dawn Clayton has been instrumental in the growth of Thunder Valley Casino Resort and, in August 2026, made history as the first CEO in the property’s 23-year history. The newly created position recognizes both her proven leadership and the Tribe’s confidence in her ability to guide Thunder Valley through its next phase of strategic growth. Clayton joined the resort as Vice President of Casino Operations in 2010 and became General Manager in 2013, spending the following 13 years overseeing day-to-day operations while helping deliver some of the property’s most significant investments, including its hotel expansion, The Venue entertainment center and the growth of its entertainment business. Now responsible for both operations and long-term strategy alongside the United Auburn Indian Community Tribal Council, Clayton brings more than four decades of gaming and hospitality experience to the role. Having started her career as a craps dealer, her progression to CEO of one of Northern California’s leading casino resorts reflects an exceptional career built on operational expertise, trusted leadership and a deep understanding of the industry.
Andrew Burke, Bluberi: Since becoming CEO in 2020, Andrew Burke has led one of the gaming supplier sector’s most impressive turnaround stories, transforming Bluberi from a company emerging from bankruptcy into a profitable and rapidly expanding North American supplier. He rebuilt the leadership team, attracted experienced industry talent and established a distinctive culture centered around creativity, collaboration and the company’s “New School” philosophy. Between 2023 and 2025, Bluberi’s revenue increased 52%, while its licensing footprint expanded significantly. A major milestone came in late 2025 when Bluberi entered Nevada, one of the world’s most important gaming markets. Today, the company holds hundreds of active licenses across North America, reflecting Burke’s long-term strategy of combining compelling products, talented people and disciplined expansion.
Mackenzie Haugh, GLI: During more than 25 years at GLI, Mackenzie Haugh has progressed from hands-on engineering roles to Chief Delivery Officer, giving him an exceptional understanding of gaming technology, regulatory compliance and customer needs. Today, he oversees GLI’s global delivery strategy, technical execution, information security services, project performance and delivery quality. Haugh has focused on modernizing how GLI operates, challenging legacy processes, reducing bottlenecks and introducing greater data-driven decision-making while maintaining the rigorous standards expected of the organization. He has also strengthened GLI’s customer-centric delivery model through clearer ownership and closer client alignment. Combining technical expertise with commercial awareness and regulatory understanding, Haugh continues to influence how one of gaming’s most important testing and certification organizations delivers value to the global industry.
Ivory Kelly, Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming: With more than 25 years of experience in Tribal gaming regulation, Ivory Kelly has become a leading advocate for responsible gaming and player protection across Indian Country. As founder and CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming, she is working to strengthen responsible gaming practices while ensuring solutions respect the sovereignty and individual requirements of each Tribal nation. Among her most significant initiatives is the development of a Tribal-wide self-exclusion program that simplifies the process for players while allowing participating Tribes to maintain authority over their own policies. Kelly also brings extensive expertise in Tribal Internal Control Standards, compliance and technology-driven responsible gaming solutions, regularly sharing resources and knowledge to help Tribal organizations strengthen their safeguards. In 2025, her contribution was recognized by the Indian Gaming Association, which named her Regulator of the Year. Through TCRG, Kelly is helping demonstrate how responsible gaming, Tribal sovereignty and sustainable industry growth can work together.
Joe Billhimer, Cordish Gaming Group: As Chief Operating & Development Officer for Cordish Gaming Group, Joe Billhimer has helped guide one of the industry’s most recognizable casino portfolios through a significant period of expansion. Under his leadership, Cordish Gaming has doubled in size in recent years, strengthening the Live! Casinos & Hotels brand across the Mid-Atlantic and Southern US while advancing new projects in Virginia. Billhimer combines commercial growth with a deeply rooted belief in community-first leadership, an approach developed over decades in the casino industry. His career achievements were recently recognized through induction into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame, including recognition of his leadership following Hurricane Katrina and his commitment to team members and economic recovery. By balancing development, operational excellence and community responsibility, Billhimer continues to demonstrate the impact thoughtful casino leadership can have both inside and beyond the property.
Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM: As CEO of BetMGM, Adam Greenblatt has led the company through one of the most significant transformations in its history, shifting the business toward sustainable growth and profitability while strengthening its position across US online gaming. In 2025, BetMGM generated $2.8bn in net revenue, up 33%, and $220m in adjusted EBITDA, representing an improvement of nearly $500m year-over-year. Online sports betting became contribution-positive for the first time, while iGaming revenue grew 24%. Greenblatt has also strengthened BetMGM’s omnichannel proposition in Nevada and overseen continued innovation across casino and sports betting. Beyond financial performance, he has been a vocal advocate for the regulated gaming model, publicly challenging unregulated prediction markets and emphasizing consumer protections. His leadership has successfully combined commercial discipline, product growth and a clear commitment to the long-term health of regulated gaming.
David Lopez, AGS: During more than a decade as President and CEO, David Lopez has helped transform AGS while building one of the gaming industry’s most distinctive workplace cultures. Following AGS’ acquisition by Brightstar in 2025, Lopez guided the company through another important transition, sharpening its strategy across slots, table games, shufflers, HHR and online gaming while preserving the people-first culture at the heart of the organization. In 2026, AGS was named among the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation for the tenth consecutive year, an achievement supported by independent employee feedback. Through transparent communication, development programs, recognition initiatives and a strong emphasis on accountability, Lopez has created an environment where employees are empowered to perform. His leadership demonstrates that commercial performance and a genuinely people-focused culture can successfully go hand in hand.
Brooks Pierce, Inspired Entertainment: As President and CEO of Inspired Entertainment, Brooks Pierce has led the company through a strategic transformation toward a more scalable, digitally focused business. Under his leadership, the company has prioritized digital growth, optimized its portfolio and strengthened its balance sheet, with the results increasingly evident in its financial performance. In Q1 2026, Inspired generated $57.2m in revenue and $23.7m in EBITDA, achieving a 41% margin. Its Interactive division was a standout performer, with revenue increasing 38% and EBITDA rising 53%, demonstrating the strength of the company’s growing recurring digital business. Pierce has also reduced net leverage to approximately 3.0x while maintaining a clear focus on operational discipline. Known for bringing clarity to complex challenges and aligning teams around defined priorities, he has positioned Inspired as a more resilient and increasingly digital gaming supplier.
Dr. Alicia Lechtenberger, Passport Technology: Since joining Passport Technology as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in January 2026, Dr. Alicia Lechtenberger has made an immediate impact on the company’s commercial strategy and organizational development. She restructured sales territories, recruited new talent, introduced structured coaching and performance reviews, led a comprehensive rebrand and established Passport’s first structured RFP management process. The results have been significant: qualified sales opportunities increased more than 36%, product demonstrations surged 200%, close rates improved from 15% to 19%, and RFP win rates increased from 12% to 25%. Lechtenberger brings more than two decades of experience with companies including IGT, Bally Gaming, Konami Gaming and Aruze Gaming, alongside a Ph.D. specializing in Casino Gaming from UNLV. She also actively develops future industry talent through mentorship with Global Gaming Women and UNLV.
Jordan Levin, OpenBet: Jordan Levin has led OpenBet through a defining period of transformation, successfully navigating its management buyout while reinforcing the company’s position as a major sportsbook technology, content and services provider. Under his leadership, OpenBet has expanded further across regulated markets, including launching with TQJ in Brazil, while continuing to strengthen its presence across North America. Levin has also advanced the company’s regulatory and responsible gaming capabilities, including an upgraded Neccton solution and Fanatics’ adoption of the full Protect suite in the US, while championing responsible innovation through OpenBet’s AI Centre of Excellence. At the same time, he has guided the business through a period of significant corporate change surrounding Sportradar’s acquisition of IMG ARENA. By balancing commercial expansion, innovation and regulatory integrity, Levin has positioned OpenBet strongly for its next phase of growth.
Mor Weizer, Playtech: Mor Weizer has led Playtech through a defining period of strategic transformation while accelerating the company’s focus on opportunities across the Americas. He has driven a strategy that saw US revenue nearly double year-over-year, supported by expansion into West Virginia, Delaware and Connecticut and deeper relationships with major operators including FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and Delaware North. In Brazil, he has overseen Playtech’s growing presence through its GaleraBet partnership and the opening of a new São Paulo Live Casino studio delivering locally tailored content. Weizer has also remained a strong advocate for safer gambling innovation, with Playtech continuing to invest in solutions including BetBuddy. His leadership has successfully combined major corporate transformation with continued investment in some of the Americas’ most important emerging and established gaming markets.
Lana Rivera, Graton Resort & Casino: Lana Rivera has built an exceptional career in gaming, progressing from her first role as a card dealer to President of Graton Resort & Casino, where she now oversees all business functions at one of California’s leading Tribal gaming properties. After becoming General Manager in 2019 and President in 2023, Rivera was one of the key executives who spearheaded Graton’s ambitious $1bn expansion, one of the most significant developments in the property’s history. The project, which opened in May 2026, substantially expands the resort’s gaming and entertainment offering and introduces an entirely smoke-free new casino wing, responding to evolving guest preferences. Rivera brings decades of operational experience to her leadership, including 15 years as General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Known for remaining closely connected to both guests and team members, she combines hands-on operational expertise with strategic leadership, helping position Graton for its next chapter of growth while delivering long-term value for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
Elizabeth Maya Cano, Cornazar: As Executive President of Cornazar, Elizabeth Maya Cano has become one of the most influential voices representing Colombia’s licensed gaming industry. Leading the national trade association for gaming operators, she plays an important role in regulatory and industry discussions, advocating for operators as they navigate challenges ranging from regulatory change and taxation to banking access and wider economic pressures. She has also helped bring Colombia’s experience as one of Latin America’s most established regulated gaming markets to international conversations, including at major industry events in the region. Her leadership extends beyond policy and regulation. She leads a predominantly female team at Cornazar and is a passionate advocate for greater female representation across the industry, with her contribution recognized at the LIFE Awards in Medellín. Through her combination of industry expertise, advocacy and people-focused leadership, she continues to champion a strong, responsible and sustainable legal gaming sector in Colombia.
Arthur Niggemann, Betano Brazil: Arthur Niggemann has played a key role in establishing Betano as a leading gaming brand in Brazil and is now applying that experience across the wider Americas. As Marketing Manager for Brazil, Niggemann helped strengthen Betano’s local positioning through high-impact campaigns across both sports betting and online casino, including the “Confia” concept, developing a distinctive brand that connects with Brazilian audiences. His success led to his promotion in July 2025 to lead Betano’s marketing across the Americas, encompassing Latin America and Canada. In his expanded role, Niggemann is responsible for supporting the brand’s continued growth through localized marketing strategies that reflect the cultural and sporting characteristics of each market. By combining a deep understanding of local audiences with ambitious regional strategy, he is helping shape how one of the industry’s most prominent international operators builds meaningful connections with players across the Americas.
Erica Pinto, Jamul Indian Village: Erica Pinto has dedicated more than 27 years to serving the Jamul Indian Village of California and made history in 2015 when she became the Tribe’s first female Chairwoman. Under her leadership, the Tribe has continued to strengthen its economic position while investing in healthcare, community programs and opportunities designed to benefit future generations. Pinto has played an important role in guiding the growth of the Tribe’s enterprises, including gaming, while remaining a strong advocate for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination at the regional and state levels. Her leadership extends beyond commercial success, with a focus on ensuring economic development translates into lasting benefits for Tribal citizens and the wider community. Through decades of service, she has established herself as an influential and respected voice within Tribal gaming and government.
Siobhan Lane, Light & Wonder: As CEO of Gaming at Light & Wonder, Siobhan Lane oversees the company’s global land-based gaming business, combining a strong focus on product performance with a leadership philosophy centered on high-performing teams and culture. Under her leadership, the business has continued to build momentum, with its North American premium installed base growing for 23 consecutive quarters and increasing by 2,550 units year-over-year in Q1 2026, while Gaming Operations revenue increased 38% and Table Products revenue grew 24%. Alongside her executive responsibilities, Lane has taken on another significant industry leadership role as President and Board Chair of Global Gaming Women, helping advance, mentor and connect women across the gaming industry. With nearly two decades of land-based gaming experience, Lane combines commercial leadership with a commitment to developing the next generation of industry talent.
Eric Hession, Caesars Digital: As President of Caesars Digital, Eric Hession has overseen the continued transformation of Caesars’ online gaming business into an increasingly significant and profitable part of the wider organization. In 2025, Caesars Digital generated $1.41bn in net revenue, up 21% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA more than doubled from $117m to $236m. The momentum has continued into 2026, with the division delivering record first-quarter net revenue of $374m and adjusted EBITDA of $69m. Under Hession’s leadership, Caesars has continued to enhance its sports betting and iCasino products, investing in proprietary games, improved bonusing, live dealer content and a digital wallet now available across numerous states. By combining disciplined growth with continued product innovation and the strength of the Caesars brand and loyalty ecosystem, Hession has helped establish Caesars Digital as a major force in US online gaming.
Nadia Popova, EGT: During 15 years with EGT, Nadia Popova has played an instrumental role in transforming the company into an increasingly global gaming supplier, with particular influence across Latin America. As Chief Revenue Officer and Vice President of Sales & Marketing, she has helped establish and expand EGT’s presence across Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the Caribbean and other regional markets. Over the past year, Popova has led the company’s latest phase of South American expansion through the opening of offices in Brazil and Argentina, developing market-entry strategies and appointing experienced local leadership. The Argentina operation has already secured numerous installations, while EGT has integrated its games with several Brazilian betting platforms and continues to pursue significant land-based opportunities. Popova’s combination of long-term regional knowledge and commercial leadership has been fundamental to EGT’s growing footprint throughout the Americas.
Joseph Hillier, iGaming Ontario: As President and CEO of iGaming Ontario, Joseph Hillier has demonstrated strong leadership in player protection through the successful introduction of BetGuard, the organization’s coordinated, market-wide self-exclusion system. Launched in May 2026, BetGuard gives players a single process to opt out of all 70+ regulated iGaming sites in Ontario, preventing access to existing accounts, the creation of new accounts and marketing communications. As the first centralized self-exclusion system of its kind in North America, its implementation required close coordination across government partners, operators and responsible gambling experts. Under Hillier’s leadership, BetGuard achieved full operator participation and has strengthened responsible gaming safeguards across Ontario’s regulated market.
Robin Villarreal, Gila River Resorts & Casinos: Robin Villarreal has broken barriers in both gaming and technology as the first Native American female Chief Information Officer of Gila River Resorts & Casinos. Her journey from a front-line position to the executive team reflects an exceptional understanding of casino operations and the role technology can play in improving both the guest and team member experience. As CIO, Villarreal has led major technology advancements and supported development projects across Gila River’s portfolio, helping the enterprise evolve while maintaining a strong connection to its Tribal values. Beyond her operational responsibilities, she is a passionate advocate for mentorship and leadership development, creating opportunities for others and encouraging more Native professionals to pursue careers in gaming and technology. Her combination of technical leadership, operational experience and commitment to developing future talent makes her a powerful role model within Tribal gaming.
Richard Schwartz, Rush Street Interactive: As CEO of Rush Street Interactive, Richard Schwartz has built one of the Americas’ most successful online gaming businesses through a disciplined, player-first approach to growth. In 2025, RSI delivered record revenue of $1.13bn, up 23% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA increased 66% to $153.7m and net income reached $74m. The company has also established a significant presence across Latin America, with monthly active users in the region surpassing 493,000 by Q4 2025, up 47% year-over-year. That momentum has continued into 2026, with RSI raising its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance while expanding further across the Americas, including BetRivers’ launch in Alberta. Through consistent investment in technology, customer experience and operational efficiency, Schwartz has demonstrated that significant top-line expansion can be achieved alongside rapidly improving profitability.
The Executive of the Year winner will be determined by the Global Gaming Awards Americas’ Judging Panel, comprising senior executives with vast knowledge and experience across the gaming industry in the region. Judges are excluded from voting in categories where they have a conflict of interest, and the entire voting process is independently adjudicated by KPMG US.
The winner will be revealed alongside the other Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026 winners at an exclusive luncheon ceremony on Monday, September 28, at The Venetian Las Vegas during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E).
The Global Gaming Awards are powered by Global Gaming Insider, with KPMG US serving as the official voting adjudicator. Interblock is the Lead Partner of the event, joined by Gold Sponsors Soft2Bet, Aristocrat Gaming, NOVOMATIC, Light & Wonder and Playtech, and Silver Sponsors SPRIBE, Greentube, MGR Casino Chairs, Betting Jobs, BETER, LT Game, Games Global, IGT, FIRST.bet and Sightline Payments.
The full Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026 Shortlist, covering all award categories, will be revealed on Global Gaming Insider’s website on September 1.
Companies wishing to attend the Awards presentation can now reserve their tables for the ceremony via the official Global Gaming Awards website. 
The Global Gaming Awards celebrate the industry’s leading companies and individuals across EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas at three dedicated regional events. The Americas presentation is our flagship event.
