Relax Gaming promotes from within for new CEO
Current COO Martin Stålros to lead the business after nine years in the supplier’s C-suite as Simon Hammon confirms “difficult decision” to resign from top job
Relax Gaming has promoted company stalwart Martin Stålros to become its new CEO as current boss Simon Hammon calls time on leading the business after two years.
Stålros initially joined the supplier as COO in January 2015 from Unibet where he began as a business development manager before becoming head of poker operations between August 2012 and December 2014.
He also counts a stint with Ladbrokes as well as leading his own consultancy business among his 15-plus years’ experience in the sector.
Stålros takes over from Hammon, who has been with the firm since January 2018, having initially joined as chief product officer from NetEnt.
In July 2022, Hammon was promoted to the role of the Malta-based firm’s CEO.
Hammon will stay at the supplier until October 2024 to aid in the handover process for the firm.
Speaking on his move into the CEO role, Stålros remarked: “Having the opportunity to step up as CEO after seeing the company grow from 30 to 350 people during my time as COO is tremendously exciting. I’m humbled by the task, and it’s the strength of the team that surrounds me which makes me even more motivated about the challenge.
“My predecessors have built a stable ship, and a close working relationship with both Patrik Österåker, the founder, and Simon Hammon, the previous CEO, has given me great insight.
“My aim is to combine their strengths with my own to drive Relax Gaming into further growth as we continue to expand to new markets and embrace opportunities while always maintaining outstanding tech, exceptional service, strong relationships and our core values.”
Taking to LinkedIn, Hammon said his decision to resign was “difficult” but claimed he had “completed what I set out to do”.
The exec confirmed he was exploring non-executive board roles and consultancy positions as he prepares to exit the business.
Hammon added: “As Relax moves into its next stage, Martin’s extensive understanding of the company’s DNA, offering and team, along with his passionate yet pragmatic approach, will enable him to successfully steer Relax to achieve all the goals set. It has been a true honour serving as CEO of Relax gaming for two years and I look forward to seeing what the future brings them.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.