Gaming Laboratories International Announces Four New Business Directions in EMEIA
GLI elevates Francesca Badon, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Caio Parry, and Antonino Santangelo to executive roles in account management and development within its EMEIA structure, supporting regional strategic growth.
Key Takeaways
- GLI appointed Francesca Badon, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Caio Parry, and Antonino Santangelo as new sales directors for EMEIA.
- The promotions strengthen the regional sales structure with technical and commercial experience in Italy, Spain, the UK, and Malta.
- The team will lead client support and relationship development with operators and regulators in regulated markets.
- GLI has certified and advised suppliers and operators in over 710 jurisdictions worldwide since 1989.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has promoted four sales executives in its Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA) division. Francesca Badon, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Caio Parry, and Antonino Santangelo take on expanded roles as Directors of Account Management and Director of Business Development, playing a key role in consolidating GLI's business operations in the region.
GLI Strengthens Its Executive Team in EMEIA
The new appointments respond to GLI's strategy to reinforce its presence and regional support. Francesca Badon has been named Director of Account Management EMEIA; she has seven years of experience with the company and operates from Italy. Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña takes on the role of Director of Business Development EMEIA, based in Spain with three years of previous experience as Senior Business Development Manager. Caio Parry, now Director of Account Management EMEIA, began his journey at GLI in the UK in 2018 as a Project Manager, subsequently evolving into the commercial area. Antonino Santangelo also moves to Director of Account Management EMEIA, operating from Malta after six years with the company.
Impact on Clients and Regional Operations
According to Chris Davies, Vice President of Sales EMEIA at GLI, these internal movements aim to "enhance leadership within the team and leverage decades of industry experience for the benefit of clients." Davies emphasized that the professional growth of the four directors aligns with the value they bring to operators, regulators, and iGaming suppliers, further segmenting GLI's ICT services offering in regulated markets.
James Illingworth, also Vice President of Sales EMEIA, reiterated that the promotions reflect the strength of the regional sales team and its robust relationship with the market:
"Francesca, Alberto, Caio, and Antonino bring market knowledge, strong relationships, and strategic vision in their new roles. During this new period, they will support our clients' growth and strengthen GLI's position in the region."
Overview of Trajectories and Presence in the Sector
- Francesca Badon joined GLI in 2019, specializing in account management for suppliers and operators in Southern Europe.
- Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña joined in 2021 in business development, actively coordinating efforts in Spain and surrounding markets.
- Caio Parry began his journey at GLI in 2018 in the UK, transitioning from technical management to commercial strategy.
- Antonino Santangelo entered in 2018 and has focused on the regulated markets of Malta and the central Mediterranean.
The team thus acknowledges the competencies developed in the areas of support, certification, and consultancy within the iGaming regulators and operators sector.
GLI's Participation in Events and Global Vision
GLI confirmed that Chris Davies, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, and Francesca Badon will be present at SBC Lisbon alongside the expanded EMEIA team, appearing at booth B238. Participation in industry events reinforces their role in the development of technical standards, testing, and certification that directly affect the industry's expansion in Europe and other key markets.
About Gaming Laboratories International
Gaming Laboratories International, founded in 1989, is a global testing, inspection, and certification company for land-based gaming, lottery, and iGaming. It has certified nearly two million items and tested equipment for over 710 jurisdictions, with over 5.3 million gaming components approved. Its laboratory network spans six continents; GLI complies with multiple international and U.S. accreditations, including ISO/IEC standards applicable to the gaming, wagering, and lottery industries. GLI's specialization in technical consultancy and compliance supports operators and regulators in adapting to regulatory and technological changes.
Strategic Consolidation of GLI in EMEIA
The new business directions are part of GLI's goal to maintain a flexible organizational structure with local presence in major gaming hubs across Europe, optimizing support for international suppliers and adapting to the demands of regulated markets. The growth of executive roles reinforces consultancy in compliance and technological innovation, two central lines for industry players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new sales directors of GLI in EMEIA?
Francesca Badon, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Caio Parry, and Antonino Santangelo have been promoted as sales directors in the EMEIA operation, each responsible for account management or business development in their home market.
How do the promotions impact GLI's regional presence?
The promotions strengthen GLI's closeness to operators and regulators, allowing for support tailored to the sector's needs in Italy, Spain, the UK, and Malta, strategic bases within EMEIA.
Where will GLI present its renewed sales team?
Chris Davies, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, and Francesca Badon will introduce the regional team at SBC Lisbon, a key event for the European iGaming industry.
What experience do the newly promoted directors bring?
They bring accumulated experience in account management, business development, and support to suppliers and operators in regulated markets, having led relevant projects within GLI in Europe since 2018.
What services does GLI offer to operators and regulators?
GLI provides consulting, testing, and certification services in land-based gaming, lottery, and iGaming, backed by a global network and expertise in over 710 jurisdictions.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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