Welcome to our Most Influential Women in iGaming rundown for 2021. Over the next three days we will reveal who has won their way through a public survey, shortlisting and final judging to land a place in the coveted top 10.
This year’s candidates were nominated based on their influence on the industry, their company, and/or as a champion of diversity. Here are the first three profiles of our 10 Most Influential Women for 2021, listed in no particular order:
- Sarah Blackburn
- Director, GameOn Marketing
- Sarah Blackburn has over 16 years of experience in the industry. She is the head of GameOn Marketing, a serious competitor in the crowded field of specialist agencies. Sarah believes in caring about what you do, the industry, the people you work with, and your clients. She aims to provide a platform for other women and empower them to achieve success.
- Melanie Gross
- Former VP of online casino & sportsbook, Caesars Interactive
- Melanie Gross has an 18-year career in the iGaming industry. She started as an engineer and worked her way up to being responsible for the product and associated P&L of seven casinos across 150 countries. Melanie believes in creating a balanced and diverse environment by addressing the culture that rewards men for potential and women for performance. She advocates for more sponsors of talented women and better publicized opportunities.
- Charmaine Mabuza
- Chief executive officer, Ithuba Holdings
- Charmaine Mabuza leads Ithuba, the first black female-owned and led operator of South Africa’s National Lottery. She aims to change the mindset and promote gender parity in the boardroom. Charmaine uses her success to raise others and has launched various programs to support women and provide educational opportunities. She believes that legislative and policy changes can transform leadership structures and eliminate societal barriers.
Stay tuned for more profiles in Parts 2 and 3 of our rundown!
