GLI Elevates Four to Sales Director Roles Across EMEIA

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has promoted four senior managers to Sales Director positions within its EMEIA operations. Francesca Badon, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, Caio Parry, and Antonino Santangelo assume expanded roles as part of GLI’s efforts to deepen market support and build on regional growth.

GLI Sales Director Promotions: A Strategic Move for EMEIA

GLI’s announcement of these four promotions directly bolsters its commercial leadership across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA). The appointments—spanning Italy, Spain, the UK, and Malta—represent both geographic diversity and targeted sector experience within the gaming industry. Chris Davies, Vice President of EMEIA Sales, commented on the move:

“We are delighted to promote these four great leaders and see their careers progress within GLI. Together, they represent decades of gaming knowledge and experience, hugely benefiting our clients. As they have grown, so has the value they bring and we look forward to exciting times for both them and the future of our industry.”

Profiles of the Newly Appointed GLI Sales Directors

• Francesca Badon has worked at GLI since 2019 and moves up from Senior Account Manager. Based in Italy, she has advised EMEIA clients on certification and compliance matters.
• Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña joined in 2021, formerly serving as Senior Business Development Manager. He is located in Spain and has focused on new business opportunities in emerging EMEIA markets.
• Caio Parry started at GLI in 2018 as a Project Manager, later progressing to Senior Account Manager. Based in the UK, Parry has supported complex certification projects.
• Antonino Santangelo joined GLI in 2018, bringing experience as a Senior Account Manager and is based in Malta, a significant market for GLI’s iGaming certifications.

Each new director is tasked with not only managing key regional accounts but also developing new partnerships and supporting customers through evolving regulatory landscapes.

GLI’s Commitment to EMEIA Market Growth

GLI’s strategy reflects its ambition to maintain and expand market leadership across EMEIA’s diverse regulatory environments. James Illingworth, Vice President of EMEIA Sales at GLI, stated:

"These promotions reflect the strength of our EMEIA sales organization and the leadership we continue to build across the region. Francesca, Alberto, Caio, and Antonino each bring valuable market knowledge, strong client relationships, and a clear understanding of the opportunities ahead. In their expanded roles, they will help us deepen our support for customers and strengthen GLI’s presence across EMEIA."

The EMEIA region remains pivotal for global game certification and compliance services, with operators and regulators focused on regulatory standards. GLI’s ongoing investment in leadership talent is intended to ensure swift response to jurisdictional developments and client needs.

Presence at SBC Lisbon and Industry Representation

GLI underlines its commitment to industry engagement by confirming that Chris Davies, Alberto Ruiz-Ocaña, and Francesca Badon will attend SBC Lisbon. They will be joined by a wider EMEIA team, with GLI exhibiting at stand B238. This event presence signals GLI’s intent to directly connect with both current and potential clients in a key European market context.

Outlook for GLI’s EMEIA Sales Organisation

The four newly promoted directors each bring experience across multiple national markets and product domains. Their appointments are structured to support the increasing complexity of technical standards and licensing requirements across the EMEIA region. For iGaming operators and platform suppliers, direct access to specialised account leadership can streamline casino, sportsbook, and supplier engagements, supporting smoother entry across regulated markets.

GLI’s leadership transition focuses on continuity and builds on the company’s established relationships with regulatory authorities. By elevating internal candidates with proven sector engagement, GLI deepens its market connections while reinforcing client confidence in its advisory and certification services.

For further information on compliance frameworks and regional developments, readers can also refer to our news and b2b sections.