Playtech strengthens board with two new appointments

Gaming solutions giant Playtech has appointed Anna Massion and John Krumins as non-executive directors of the business, with immediate effect.

The pair have been selected following an extensive search process, with each appointment approved by Playtech’s activist investor, SpringOwl Asset Management, which holds 5% of the company’s issued share capital.

US-based Massion has worked in investment banking and asset management for over 15 years, and currently works as an analyst for PAR Capital Management, which manages a portfolio of assets worth more than $5bn. Since 2014 she has been an investor in the UK, US and European gaming sectors, and has also provided strategic advice to Playtech’s existing management team in recent years.

Playtech described her as a global gaming industry expert, who would bring strong fiscal and analytical skillset to its board.

Krumins, meanwhile, has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance, technology and project management. He spent almost 15 years working as a managing director of Morgan Stanley, before holding roles at Deutsche Bank and Société Général. He currently chairs IT and business service management solutions provider Wavex Technology.

He has held non-executive directorships for a range of companies in a range of sectors, including advising businesses in technology and data analytics such as corporate services giant Hogg Robinson Group and big data specialist Intent HQ. Having served as a panel member of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, Playtech noted that he also has significant regulatory experience.

“I am delighted to have identified two candidates of the calibre of Anna and John and warmly welcome them to the Playtech board,” Playtech chairman Alan Jackson said of the appointments. “John’s extensive Board-level experience, coupled with Anna's deep sector knowledge, will allow the board to support Playtech's role as the leading gambling technology company in regulated markets.
 
“Our industries continue to develop at pace, and today's appointments mark another step forward in the evolution of the Playtech board,” Jackson added. “I will be working closely with everyone involved in Playtech to get the new board members up to speed as we continue to plan for the future.”