Yggdrasil CEO Appointed

Yggdrasil Fredrik Elmqvist sees potential in Björn Krantz making him CEO, while 888 steps up its US operations by appointing a new president (Image from Courtesy of yggdrasilgaming.com)

The iGaming industry’s continuous shift in management, mergers, acquisitions and the introduction of the newly regulated markets makes it one of the most newsworthy online gaming spheres. And while from time to time it even throws us a curve a ball or two, this week there were no surprises. However, there are two notable new top-level management shifts to report as Yggdrasil changes its CEO and 888 makes its push in the US with a noteworthy strategical appointment.

Yggdrasil Appoints New CEO – Björn Krantz

As of yesterday, Björn Krantz took the CEO position at one of the most successful video slot development companies in iGaming. He will work alongside senior management personnel to continue the software provider’s remarkable success.

Since Yggdrasil’s 2013 inauguration, Fredrik Elmqvist, who founded the Yggdrasil casino brand was at the helm. He has taken the company to the top of the ladder creating what is currently a powerhouse slot developer more than matching long-term industry-leading such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Playtech. In the past two years, Yggdrasil has even become one of the main challengers in several categories at iGaming industry awards ceremonies.

This week the brand was nominated for the Slot supplier and Casino software supplier of the year awards for the forthcoming EGR B2B Awards 2022. The company will be hoping to add to its 2019 RNG Casino Supplier of the year award at the same event. Moreover, Yggdrasil won the RNG Casino Supplier of the Year award at this month’s International Gaming Awards, while it won the Slot Provider of the Year award at the same event last year. It’s fair to say Mr Elmqvist has taken the Yggdrasil brand from zero to hero.

That being said, the master of the company’s success has decided to hang up his boots and pass over control to the new CEO Björn Krantz who will continue the company’s extraordinary success. Mr Krantz has over 12 years of C-level experience with a decade of his time spent at NetEnt—a long-time pioneering force in video slots development. The other 2 years in question have been with Yggdrasil as the Head of Publishing Division before moving over to Chief of Global Market Operations. His industry knowledge and leadership skills have obviously impressed founder Fredrik Elmqvist resulting in Krantz becoming CEO. His confidence in Björn Krantz was made very clear in a statement made on the main Yggdrasil news report announcing the move.

Fredrik Elmqvist commented that Björn Krantz is an established executive leader as part of Yggdrasil’s global market operations. He has become an important figure in the firm’s strategy and execution plan. Mr Elmqvist also stated/suggested that his new CEO will take over many of the board assignment activities with his full support in an advisory capacity. All in all, it was a gleaming statement full of praise, so on behalf of the Casinoplusbonus team, we’d like to congratulate Björn Krantz on his new position and wish him every success.

888 Expands US Operations via New US Operations President Appointment

Over in the 888 PLC stateside operations, there has also been some movement in the higher tiers of company operational management. The firm’s US operations began in 2013 when the New Jersey iGaming market came online. It brought 888casino and 888poker to the scene, while 888sport came online in 2018 when state officials finally conceded to passing a bill allowing online sports betting. On top of this, 888poker launched in Nevada in 2014. However, the brand is yet to enter any of the other numerous US states where online sports betting, and in some cases, iGaming is now legal.

In comes new US operations president Howard Mittman. The reason we mention growth into other states is that his appointment specifically states 888 is “placing him in charge of strategic operations and the company’s plans for growth”. His new role will involve managing relationships with the sports-orientated subsidiary Authentic Brands Group. This will involve managing B2B partnerships across North America, once again a key indicator that 888 plans to extend its 888sport brand in particular.

CEO Izai Pazner also gave us a few hints commenting on the official 888 press release mentioning that he is delighted to bring Howard Mitton into the new role while reading in between the lines the comment included the role was to focus on the “long-term growth strategy in the US online betting market”. It stands to reason 888 would want to expand across more states to build on its current formidable brand reputation.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.