Yggdrasil appoints Haywood to lead Polish entity
Haywood joins Yggdrasil after a spell as managing director of marketing technology business Liquid Barcodes.
An experienced gambling executive, Haywood was previously chief technology officer of Interactive Gaming Group. He also spent three-and-a-half years at Evolution, including time as head of IT business operations.
“I am thrilled to welcome Alex Haywood to the Yggdrasil team,” Yggdrasil CEO James Curwen said. “His impressive track record, from his key roles at Evolution Gaming, Interactive Gaming Group, to his most recent position at Liquid Barcodes, highlights his profound understanding of the gaming landscape and his unmatched ability to drive innovation and change.
“With his appointment, we are poised to reach even greater heights in innovation and technological prowess.”
Yggdrasil continues strategic restructuring
The appointment forms part of an ongoing strategic restructuring process at Yggdrasil. This has resulted in what the provider described as a “necessary” reduction of roles within the organisation.
The provider is consolidating its Product and Programmes and Studio verticals into a single unit. This will now operate under the “Gaming” banner.
Yggdrasil said this will help increase company transparency, streamline processes and offer numerous operational benefits.
In line with this restructure, chief gaming officer Mark McGinley is taking on the new role of chief product officer. McGinley will lead the Yggdrasil games portfolio and Masters Studio Programme.
“We extend our gratitude to our departing senior leaders for their dedication and commitment to Yggdrasil,” Curwen said. “As we navigate this transformative phase, we remain dedicated to supporting our employees through this period of change.”
Curwen take over as CEO at Yggdrasil
Curwen himself is new to his role having been named CEO in August, replacing Bjorn Krantz. He officially took up the position on 1 October.
Curwen spent two-and-a-half years as chief online officer at OPAP. Prior to this, Curwen was CEO of Golden Rock Studios and had a spell as chief gaming officer at Superbet.
Curwen also spent almost six years working for William Hill, serving in senior positions such as chief gaming product officer. In addition, he had spells with RandomGamesLimited UK and Ladbrokes.