Lars Felderhoff

Merkur Appoints New Chief Information Security Officer

Published

1 month ago

March 4, 2026

merkur-appoints-new-chief-information-security-officer

The Merkur Group has appointed Manuel Kraft to the position of group chief information security officer (CISO), beginning his new role this month.

In his new position, Kraft will take responsibility for overseeing the group’s information security strategy.

“We are delighted that we have been able to recruit Mr. Kreft, a proven expert from within our own ranks, for this key position. With his many years of experience and deep understanding of the challenges of modern information security, he will make a significant contribution to further developing the digital resilience and security of the Group,” said Lars Felderhoff, chairman of the management board of the Merkur Group.

Kreft has been with the Group since 1997, when he started as the first dual student from East Westphalia. Most recently, he served as an authorised signatory and head of it infrastructure and operations.

The Minden native has been involved in all aspects of information security for more than 25 years and played a key role in establishing an information security management system in accordance with ISO 27001. Among other things, the 49-year-old will be responsible for setting up the company’s own competence centre for information security. In addition to a group-wide information security strategy, he will also implement uniform global standards within the 15,000-employee corporation.

“Information security is not a final state, but an ongoing process. Together with my colleagues, I want to help strengthen the digital resilience of the group and actively shape its future,” said Kreft.

The post Merkur Appoints New Chief Information Security Officer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Antje Kunkies

Merkur Group Appoints Antje Kunkies as Chief Human Resources Officer

Published

4 months ago

December 3, 2025

Niji Narayan

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The Merkur Group has a new head of human resources: Antje Kunkies will take up the newly created position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) on 1 January 2026, assuming overall responsibility for the Group’s global HR strategy. The Merkur Group employs around 15,000 people worldwide.

“We are delighted to have Ms Kunkies on board for this key management role. In her previous positions, she has demonstrated her ability to strategically develop HR organisations within international companies and successfully shape them in transformation processes,” said Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Merkur Group.

Antje Kunkies is a lawyer and has many years of experience in global human resources management. Since 2016, she has held senior HR positions at the Claas Group – since 2023 as Senior Vice President with global HR responsibility for the Self Propelled Harvester business unit and the company’s worldwide production organisation. Prior to that, she held various management positions at the DMG Mori Group.

In her new role, she reports to Chairman Lars Felderhoff. Her responsibilities include further developing the Group-wide HR strategy, harmonising global HR processes and consistently continuing the “One HR” project. The aim is to standardise structures, increase the organisational efficiency and support strong personnel growth in the long term.

“Filling this key position is an important step toward further strengthening HR as a strategic success factor within the Group,” said Lars Felderhoff.

The further development and refinement of the corporate culture is also one of the core tasks of the new CHRO.

Antje Kunkies said: “I am very pleased about the trust that has been placed in me. HR is a cornerstone of every successful company. Together with my colleagues, I would like to contribute to further strengthening the competitiveness of the Merkur Group and actively shaping its future development.”

The post Merkur Group Appoints Antje Kunkies as Chief Human Resources Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Granted a Manufactures and Distributors License in the State of Nevada

Published

11 months ago

May 27, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

merkur-group-granted-a-manufactures-and-distributors-license-in-the-state-of-nevada

Merkur Gaming US, a subsidiary of the German-based Merkur Group, has been granted a license to manufacture and distribute its gaming products in the state of Nevada – thereby gaining access to one of the leading casino markets in the US.

In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission has approved Merkur’s acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC, a licensed Nevada-based gaming operator headquartered in Las Vegas and a trusted strategic partner of the German gaming specialist. It is anticipated that the transaction will close in early Q3 2025.

“This license represents a key strategic lever for expanding our international business and lay the foundation for a stable and successful long-term future for the entire Group,” said Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group.

Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Merkur Group, said: “With approval from Nevada, this moment serves to highlight and underscore the Merkur Group’s legally compliant and forward-looking approach in all areas without exception.”

With the words “Welcome back to the industry,” the Nevada Gaming Commission sent off the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board – wishing them a successful future.

In addition to obtaining the license, the approval for the acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC represents another pivotal key element for the Merkur Group in officially re-entering the North American market as a certified manufacturer. The two companies have enjoyed a trusted strategic partnership that has already yielded mutually beneficial synergies. After thorough preparation, this collaboration will soon culminate in the acquisition by the Merkur Group.

“The close and constructive partnership with Gaming Arts LLC has significantly contributed over the past months to successfully establishing all necessary prerequisites for the licensing as well as the upcoming acquisition. We are deeply grateful for the excellent cooperation,” Felderhoff said.

Applying for the Nevada license was a logical step in the Merkur Group’s intensified international expansion strategy.

“Business conditions in our home market, Germany, have become increasingly challenging due to tightening regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, together with the entire industry, we remain confident in the long-term prospects of the German gaming market,” Felderhoff said.

“Our many years of experience and our sustained success provide a solid foundation for intensifying our focus on international gaming markets and establishing the Merkur brand abroad.

“Our re-entry into the North American casino market will significantly accelerate the international growth of the Merkur Group and place it on an even more solid footing,” Felderhoff concluded.

David Colvin, owner of Gaming Arts LLC, said: “We congratulate Merkur for achieving this outstanding milestone and we welcome them to the state of Nevada.”

The post Merkur Group Granted a Manufactures and Distributors License in the State of Nevada appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.