Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association Boss Paul Foster Steps Down

Posted on: June 13, 2023, 08:34h. 

Last updated on: June 13, 2023, 11:15h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Paul Foster has announced his resignation from his position as the CEO of the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA). In light of this news, the association that represents licensed gambling operators in Gibraltar will be implementing various changes in its leadership positions.

The Rock, better known as Gibraltar, sits in the background of a marina
The Rock, better known as Gibraltar, sits in the background of a marina. A popular hub for online gaming operators, the CEO of the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association has announced his resignation. (Image: Enjoy Travel)

Foster, who has served as the association’s top executive for the past five years, is leaving in order to pursue new challenges, according to the GBGA. At the same time, Merel Swarts-Judkins is stepping down from the organization.

Swarts-Judkins has served as a part-time coordinator for the association and is now the head of human resources and business operations at Crucial Compliance. Her exit from the GBGA is linked directly to that of Foster, who is also the CEO of the same company.

New Skipper at the GBGA Helm

The GBGA flourished under Foster’s leadership, despite facing multiple challenges, including increased scrutiny by the Financial Action Task Force. Birrell expressed gratitude toward Swarts-Judkins and Foster for their unwavering commitment, persistence, and noteworthy achievements over their respective tenures.

Going forward, the CEO position will be substituted by a newly established post, the secretary general. Nicholas Macias, who formerly served as the director of operations of the GBGA, will become the first to assume the role.

Macias’ extensive background in the Gibraltar gambling industry makes him an ideal candidate for undertaking strategic planning in his new position, explained Birrell. He has not only been a big part of the GBGA, but he was also Gibraltar’s first gambling regulator, a title he held from June 2006 to Jan 2014.

Macias also served a short stint as the compliance officer for NetEnt, the head of compliance for Lottoland, and as a director of compliance for William Hill. He’s also the director of Brinsop Limited, a compliance consultancy for the gaming industry.

Gaming Industry’s On The Move

The GBGA isn’t the only gaming entity in the process of shuffling its executive ranks. The industry is always changing, leading operators and others to have to adapt to the transformation.

Digitain is one of these. The sports betting and iGaming platform provider has appointed Martin Martirosyan, Ph.D., as its deputy CEO. He arrives after 13 years at banking giant HSBC, where he most recently held the position of director of corporate banking. The transition is expected to give Digitain a stronger position in B2B relationships.

Altenar, the online gaming supplier, is also making changes. Charlie Williams is its new commercial director, bringing his expertise in business management to the organization.

The company is looking to strengthen its position in the global gaming market. Its main goal now is to increase its activity in North America, the UK, and the Nordic region, according to a company statement.

Another change coming is at GamCare in the UK. The gambling treatment and support organization is losing its CEO, with Anna Hemmings announcing her immediate departure.

Hemmings, like Foster, wants to explore new opportunities after five years with the organization. GamCare will begin looking for a new boss, with its current chair, Margot Daly, filling in until it does.