Intralot founder takes on CEO role following Kerastaris departure

Lotteries and gaming solutions provider Intralot has named chairman and founder Sokratis Kokkalis as its new chief executive, replacing Antonios Kerastaris.

Kerastaris has stepped down as chief executive and executive member of the Intralot board, though the supplier gave no reason for his departure.

Kokkalis (pictured), who founded Intralot in 1992, thanked Kerastaris for his contribution to the business, while announcing that he would take over the CEO duties. It is not clear whether Kokkalis is taking on the role on a temporary or permanent basis.

Alexandros-Stergios Manos, chief executive of another of Kokkalis’ Intracom network of businesses, IT solutions provider Intrasoft International, will replace Kerastaris on the Intralot board.

Kerastaris leaves after serving as Intralot CEO since 2014. He previously served as CEO of Hellas Online, a Kokkalis-owned internet service provider that has since been acquired by Vodafone, and held senior financial roles with high-profile businesses including Procter & Gamble, hotel group Hilton and car manufacturer Mercedes.

Earlier today it was confirmed that Intralot had lost the contract to power Turkey's Iddaa, having served as the sports betting monopoly's principal technology partner for the past 15 years. Sans Girisim, a joint venture between Scientific Games and local conglomerate Demirören Group, has secured a 10-year deal, which begins later this year, as its replacement.

Image: Intralot.com