Award-winning former Financial Times journalist and business broadcaster Nadine Dereza has been confirmed to chair January’s World Gaming Forum, the three-day learning, networking and knowledge sharing exchange which replaces ICE VOX.

In a career that’s seen her interview global politicians including the late Kofi Annan, Condoleezza Rice, Ban Ki-moon, Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Gerhard Schröder, Nadine will once again be applying her journalist skill set to Clarion Gaming’s sector-leading World Regulatory Briefing, Casino & Leaders Conference (formerly the ICC), and the Esports & Games Conference (formerly the Esports Betting Conference), having previously presented the final edition of ICE VOX in London.

The ICE World Gaming Forum will run Monday 20th – Wednesday 22nd January 2025 alongside the ICE and iGB Affiliate exhibitions which will be hosted for the first time at the Fira Gran Via Barcelona, one of Europe’s biggest and best-appointed venues and home to prestigious Tier 1 events including Smart City Expo, IOT World Congress, Mobile World Congress, IBTM World and Integrated Systems Europe.

Advertisement

Clarion Gaming’s Senior Conference Producer Damien Ashton-Wellman said: “We are delighted to have Nadine back on the team for delivering the first edition of the World Gaming Forum. Nadine was central to the success of the 2024 ICE conferences which featured over 1,210 senior decision makers from 79 countries, including 621 operator C-Level, 87 global CEOs, 72 national and regional regulatory bodies, and 7 government ministers. Her unique blend of financial, political, and technology sector experience, and her broadcast ready presentation skills really delivered an elevated experience for the show.”

He added: “We are confident that our new world class venue and host city partnership will provide a platform for further growth with the ICE World Gaming Forum delivering exclusive connections, in-depth content, and tailored networking events.”

Nadine Dereza said: “I’m delighted to have been invited back to help launch the World Gaming Forum in what is a favourite European city of mine. The gambling industry is a highly innovative sector for entrepreneurs, policy makers and campaigners alike. ICE reflects this dynamic on a global scale and I’m looking forward to hosting insightful debates, regulatory updates and plenty of knowledge sharing. I’ve described ICE as being the ‘Davos of Gaming’ because it’s the largest gathering of leaders from across the global gaming ecosystem. Having previously hosted the IBTM Leadership Summit for several consecutive years and many international shows in Barcelona, the welcome and event services offered by the city and Fira venue are among the best I’ve worked with, and those attending ICE in January will see that experience too”

The World Gaming Forum will be situated at the heart of the Fira Gran Via Barcelona and feature an exclusive club-style VIP lounge for delegates and speakers, a dedicated networking garden, and provide access to a range of concierge services, including early access to the show each day.

Kindred Group plc (Kindred) announced third quarter total revenue figures (unaudited) as part of FDJ’s public tender offer to acquire the entire outstanding share capital of Kindred.

During the third quarter of 2024, Kindred saw continued solid growth across its diversified market footprint with total revenue (B2C and B2B) reaching GBP 294.5 million. The Gross winnings revenue for the third quarter amounted to GBP 283.1 million and the share of Gross winnings revenue from locally regulated markets amounted to 83%.

Kindred’s estimated revenue and share of locally regulated revenue for the third quarter 2024 are in line with expectations and the Group remains on track towards its communicated full-year EBITDA guidance. Kindred will report final figures for the third quarter 2024 in its interim report on 25 October 2024.

Advertisement

Kindred Group plc announced that after settlement of the public offer launched by La Française des Jeux on Kindred, its Board of Directors has received the resignations of the Chairman of the Board, Evert Carlsson, and the Directors James H. Gemmel, Cédric Boireau, Andrew McCue, Jonas Jansson and Kenneth Shea, which resignations have been rendered effective on 14 October 2024. Heidi Skogster and Martin Randel will remain directors until their term of office expiring on Kindred’s next annual general meeting to be held in 2025.

In accordance with article 77 of the Company’s articles of association, with effect from 14 October 2024, the Board of Directors of Kindred has elected Pascal Chaffard, Edeline Minaire and Célia Vérot as new Directors upon proposal of La Française des Jeux, in replacement of the resigning Directors and in order to fill some of the casual vacancies arising as a result of the abovementioned resignations. The appointment of such Directors shall be for a term which shall expire at Kindred’s next annual general meeting to be held in 2025. Pascal Chaffard has been elected as new Chairperson of the Board.

Following these changes, the Board of Directors of Kindred will consist of Pascal Chaffard, Edeline Minaire, Célia Vérot, Heidi Skogster and Martin Randel.

Advertisement

In addition, with effect from 14 October 2024, the Company’s Audit Committee shall be composed of Heidi Skogster (Chairperson), Martin Randel and Edeline Minaire, while the Company’s Remuneration Committee shall be composed of Pascal Chaffard (Chairperson), Martin Randel and Heidi Skogster.