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THE STAR SYDNEY’S LEADERSHIP TEAM ACHIEVES EQUAL GENDER REPRESENTATION

Published

4 years ago

November 15, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Star Sydney leadership team has reached a 50/50 split of men and women following two recent appointments to
the executive group reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The Star Entertainment Group has a target of 45% women and 45% men representation in leadership roles across its
properties in Sydney and Queensland, while the remaining 10% reflects scope for any gender identity, including non-binary gender identities.

The result also signals the success of an ongoing commitment to improvement in gender representation. Five years
ago, the equivalent leadership team at The Star Sydney comprised 23% women.

The Star Sydney’s COO, Damian Quayle said that achieving gender equality in the leadership team was the result of a
focused effort including the development of a talent acquisition and recruitment pipeline, fostering an inclusive and
diverse work environment and implementing a group-wide gender equality strategy.

“I am incredibly proud to say that my leadership team reflects a more balanced representation of genders, of our
workforce, of our community and the millions of guests we welcome each year,” Mr Quayle said.

“I wholeheartedly believe that equal representation drives better teamwork, a wider base of experience to drawn upon
and ultimately greater performance.”

The Star Entertainment Group’s Chief People and Performance Officer, Kim Lee added, “We recognise that diversity –
of genders, different cultural backgrounds, experiences and ideas is critical to creating a welcoming environment for
our guests and team members. With more women being elevated to senior roles than ever, The Star is on track to
meet its targets.”

Following the appointments of Sandra Thefs and Christina Lambert, the team now comprises three women and three
men.

Speaking of the two appointments, Mr Quayle said: “Sandra adds over 25 years’ experience in the gaming industry to
the team. She most recently spearheaded delivery of Sovereign, The Star Sydney’s $250 million premium
entertainment and gaming venue.

“Since taking on the role as Director of Hotels, Christina has truly excelled. She has led The Darling Sydney in
maintaining its pre-eminent position as the only luxury hotel to receive the coveted Forbes’ Five Star award. She is now
also responsible for developing a program that ensures that level of service and guest experience is delivered across
our entire property.”

Sandra Thefs, who has been with The Star since 1995 – first as a dealer at Treasury Brisbane, then venturing south for
the launch of ‘Star City’ in 1997 said a strong network of advocates were key to her progression.

“Throughout my time with The Star, I have always been supported in my ambitions to progress my career by my peers
and my managers,” she said. “They instilled the confidence I needed and encouraged me to take up opportunities I
might not have otherwise pursued.

”As Chair of Balance at The Star, our gender equality network, I have seen firsthand the progress we have made in a
short space of time.

“Although there is more work to be done to achieve parity across the board, we have clear direction from our Executive
team, a newly released gender equality strategy to help our targets and a committed workforce all working towards the
same goal.”

The Star Sydney’s Director of Hotel and Guest Experiences, Christina Lambert, said she is thrilled to be part of a
leadership group that values equity, diversity, and inclusion.

“I have had the pleasure of leading The Star Sydney’s hotel team over the last two years, and excited to extend my role
into guest experience across the property,” Ms Lambert said.

“It is important for me to see a balanced representation of genders in our teams, and I’m grateful to be part of that and
ensuring it is reflected across all levels of The Star’s operations.”

Sandra and Christina join Samantha Apps on The Star Sydney‘s leadership team.

Ms Apps joined The Star Entertainment Group in 2017 as General Manager, Group Procurement where she led the
transformation of that function, increasing benefits delivery by 150% over her first two years.

She moved into The Star Sydney’s leadership team in February 2021 as General Manager, Hospitality and Group
Supply Chain. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Ms Apps is an active ally and member of the ‘Proud at
The Star’ committee that champions a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQI+ team members and
guests, and NSW state representative on Chief Executive Women’s Connect Committee that supports the pathway to
the C-Suite for talented women across Australia.

Alfred Bashllari Sportsbook Product Consultant at Altenar

Altenar strengthens sportsbook product leadership with two senior hires

Published

54 minutes ago

October 14, 2025

George Miller

altenar-strengthens-sportsbook-product-leadership-with-two-senior-hires

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Industry veterans Nikos Zygouris and Alfred Bashllari bring more than three decades of combined experience to build sportsbook provider’s product strategy

Altenar has reinforced its sportsbook product credentials with the appointment of Nikos Zygouris as Head of Sportsbook Product and Alfred Bashllari as Sportsbook Product Consultant.

With extensive experience in iGaming and sports betting, both new hires bring a wealth of knowledge to support Altenar’s consistent focus on innovation and high-performance solutions that deliver more value to operators.

Zygouris joins the company from Campeon Gaming, where he served as Head of Product. Additionally, he holds more than 12 years of industry experience from leading suppliers and operators such as Novibet, Intralot and OpenBet. His passion for product innovation and collaborative working will play a key role in shaping Altenar’s roadmap.

Bashllari brings two decades of product development, operations and M&A experience, having held senior roles at major providers including Sportradar, Betgenius, Scientific Games and OPAP. His deep understanding of the sports betting, gaming and lottery sectors will support Altenar’s strategic decision-making.

Both appointments mark another step forward in Altenar’s evolution as a partner-led technology provider, enhancing its ability to deliver scalable, flexible and market-ready sportsbook solutions for a growing number of operators worldwide.

Antonis Karakousis, Director of Product at Altenar, said: “As we expand into new markets and push the boundaries of what our sportsbook can deliver, it’s vital that we continue to invest in product leaders. Nikos and Alfred bring a wealth of experience and strategic thinking that will directly support our long-term goals. We’re excited to welcome them aboard.”

Nikos Zygouris, Altenar’s Head of Sportsbook Product, said: “I’m delighted to join the product team at Altenar following what has already been a hugely successful year for the provider. They continue to prove that they are on the pulse of the industry and attuned to what the customer needs. I look forward to contributing to Altenar’s ambitious plans going forward.”

Alfred Bashllari, Sportsbook Product Consultant at Altenar, said: “Altenar’s commitment to product excellence and its approach to exceeding expectations really stood out to me and is one of the reasons I’m thrilled to join the team. I’m excited to see how we can drive forward innovative solutions that help our clients grow.”

The post Altenar strengthens sportsbook product leadership with two senior hires appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Evoplay

Evoplay releases dazzling new title Velvet Gems

Published

54 minutes ago

October 14, 2025

George Miller

evoplay-releases-dazzling-new-title-velvet-gems

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Velvet Gems, a glamorous slot filled with sparkling stones, seamless gameplay, and high reward potential.

The game immerses players in a luxurious realm of shimmering rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, where each spin radiates opulence. Striking visuals and a refined soundtrack create a premium atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for players seeking an elegant, feature-rich experience.

Landing three or more bonus symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins round, awarding fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five spins depending on the number of triggering symbols.

During free spins, various symbols may appear, while stacked wilds enhance the potential to form high-value winning combinations. The feature can also be retriggered, extending the magical atmosphere and increasing the win opportunities.

To heighten the experience, players can choose to activate the bonus chance feature, doubling their chances of triggering free spins with a slight increase in their bet. Those wishing to jump straight into the game can also use the bonus buy function to access the top feature immediately.

Stylish and engaging, Velvet Gems combines simple mechanics with lively design to provide a luxurious slot experience that shines from the first spin to the last.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Velvet Gems exemplifies how Evoplay blends classic themes with sophisticated mechanics to offer premium entertainment.

“We’ve designed a classic-style slot that feels fresh, luxurious, and accessible, while still delivering the medium volatility thrills players enjoy. From the sophisticated visuals to the feature-rich gameplay, it’s a release we’re immensely proud of, a true gem in our expanding portfolio.”

The post Evoplay releases dazzling new title Velvet Gems appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

12Bet

12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards

Published

54 minutes ago

October 14, 2025

Niji Narayan

12bet’s-customer-first-approach-earns-shortlist-for-best-customer-service-at-egr-operator-awards

Reading Time: < 1 minute

12BET, shaping the igaming landscape since 2007, has been shortlisted for “Best Customer Service” at the EGR Operator Awards 2025. This recognition highlights 12BET’s commitment to building trust, transparent interactions and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of its operations. Being named a finalist shows how 12BET’s service philosophy sets new standards in responsiveness, empathy and professionalism across its global player community.

In 2025, 12BET strengthened its customer-first approach with honest communication and transparent service. A structured Trustpilot review programme invited genuine feedback from long-standing users, building public trust while informing service improvements. This reflects 12BET’s belief that customer feedback should not only resolve issues but also inspire continuous learning and evolution.

“We are proud to be recognized for Best Customer Service at the EGR Operator Awards. Customer trust is the foundation of our brand, and this shortlisting honors the dedication of our teams who serve players with integrity and care. Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce our values and strengthen our relationship with the community,” 12BET Spokesperson Rory Anderson said.

The post 12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.