NetEnt leads gender diversity in the casino industry

Published on 17th February 2021 by Ben

When Entain named Jette Nygaard-Andersen as its chief executive, the gaming industry wasted no time acknowledging the appointment as a significant step towards equality. But while the decision was a welcome indication of the growing diversity in the field, it is important to note that this was not the first step. Today’s NetEnt news will look at the current state of the casino gaming industry regarding gender diversity and how NetEnt leads the charge.

It is fair to say that the gaming industry is still rather male-dominated. Nygaard-Andersen was the first female CEO of any British gaming company listed in FTSE’s top 100 and only the eighth female CEO in the industry in general.

The slow adoption process, while not necessarily unanticipated, has been long overdue. According to Russ Mould, AJ Bell’s investment director, diversity in the workplace is vital. It helps drive creativity, push innovation, and avoid groupthink. It is imperative in global gambling businesses where technology and regulation change rapidly that a diverse team is needed to face and adapt to challenges.

Still, despite the hindrances, women have traditionally found in the online gambling industry, insiders believe that this is a step towards lasting progress – a genuine embrace of diversity rather than a “happy accident.” Andrew Bulloss, a recruiter for Odgers Berndtson, an executive search firm, believes that the tides are turning:

“I think the industry is genuinely at a bit of an inflection point and it will be very interesting to see where it goes over the next two to three years because it cannot continue in a similar vein to how it has for the last four or five years.”

NetEnt leads the way

One industry great that hasn’t faced slow adoption of diversity is NetEnt, which appointed Maria Hedengren as the chief financial officer in 2011 and Therese Hillman as her successor in 2016. The president and chief executive of the company extended an enthusiastic welcome to Hillman at the time: “I’m very pleased to welcome Therese Hillman to NetEnt; her experience as CFO and CEO in a digital growth company will make her a strong contribution to the senior management team at NetEnt.”

A renowned leader and creator of beloved slots and other gambling games, NetEnt continues to show its commitment to pushing industry norms to drive growth.