Kresimir Spajic steps down from Hard Rock as digital JV is established
Spajic resigns citing difference in expectations for business after five-year stint
Hard Rock International SVP and MD for online gaming and sports betting Kresimir Spajic has left the operator after five years at the helm of the online business, EGR North America has learned.
Spajic cited differences in expectations for the business moving forward for his resignation, particularly in light of the new Hard Rock Digital division established in December last year.
Spajic told EGR: “After five great years, I have decided to move on from Hard Rock and pursue other opportunities.
“I’m taking this much needed time to enjoy my family and carefully assess my next step,” he added.
He led the company’s move into online gaming back in 2018, after it secured a platform deal with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) to power its igaming and sports betting products in New Jersey and Iowa.
The online division recorded “sizable revenue in 2020 with high profitability margin,” Spajic said.
Hard Rock Digital executives Rafi Ashkenazi, Marlon Goldstein and Matt Primeaux will take over Spajic’s responsibilities as they build the new business in partnership with Hard Rock owners Seminole Gaming (SGA).
The newly launched digital arm will serve as a vehicle for both online gambling and sports betting internationally, utilizing the firm’s 130 million-strong player database.
Prior to Hard Rock, Spajic worked as an online gaming consultant for Borgata and Rush Street Gaming.
He also spent 18 months as regional territory manager for European gaming giant bwin and another two years in the same role for poker operator Full Tilt before it was bought by Rational Group, which owned PokerStars at the time.