Podcast by Karolina Pelc #2 – Rafi Ashkenazi, Ex-CEO The Stars Group

???? Topic: A journey through the stars

✌️Karolina’s iGaming NEXT Podcast is sponsored by Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology. For more info, click here: https://bit.ly/3lSy1B5

???? Mr. Rafael (Rafi) Ashkenazi, is a former The Stars Group CEO and a future Executive Chairman of Hard Rock Digital. Previously a Playtech COO, he joined the Rational Group in 2013 and had been with the company that eventually became known as The Stars Group for seven years. Taking over as CEO in 2016, Rafi is widely recognized to have played an integral role in the business leaving an incredible footprint on all it’s aspects. Mr. Ashkenazi, who initially joined Stars Interactive Group in January 2013 as Chief Operating Officer, is an experienced gaming industry executive who previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Playtech plc (LSE: PTEC), a global gaming software development company (Playtech), from January 2006 to January 2010 and then from September 2011 to January 2013, and as a member of the board of directors of Playtech from March 2006 to January 2010. From January 2010 to September 2011, Mr. Ashkenazi served as Vice President of Business Operations of Playtech. He was appointed Senior Vice President of Strategy for The Stars Group in April 2015, Chief Executive Officer of Stars Interactive Group in November 2015, Interim Chief Executive Officer of The Stars Group in March 2016 and then permanent Chief Executive Officer of The Stars Group in November 2016. Mr. Ashkenazi graduated with honors from Shenkar College in Israel where he earned a B.A. in Industrial Engineering.

In this podcast we cover:
???? 00:00 – Introduction
???? 00:41 – Who is Rafi Ashkenazi?
???? 10:00 – Diversification
???? 12:25 – Full Tilt Poker challenges
???? 18:00 – Importance of localization
???? 25:40 – Rafi’s leadership style
???? 36:50 – Hard Rock Digital future
???? 44:50 – Women in leadership roles
???? 51:20 – Viewer questions for Rafi
???? 01:00:42 – Closing off

Product diversification! Rafi Ashkenazi advises on his strategy

Rafi Ashkenazi, Ex-CEO The Stars Group, discusses his strategies to implement product diversification across networks.

Importance of localisation! Rafi Ashkenazi discusses the importance of localised products & services

Rafi Ashkenazi, Ex-CEO The Stars Group, shares his views on localisation and finding the balance between central & regional markets.

Leadership style! Rafi Ashkenazi shares his secrets to leadership

Rafi Ashkenazi, Ex-CEO The Stars Group, advises that taking a step back to look at the bigger picture is key.

Female empowerment & diversity! Rafi Ashkenazi discusses the importance of diversity & equality

Rafi Ashkenazi, Ex-CEO The Stars Group, shares his views on women in positions of power in the industry & advises that more companies should empower women.

Female leaders in iGaming! Rafi Ashkenazi shares admiration for powerful women in the industry

Rafi Ashkenazi, Ex-CEO The Stars Group, discusses women holding powerful positions in the industry and expresses admiration for their strength & leadership.