Milky Ways

What is Milky Ways?

“Leadership is critical in setting expectations and maintaining accountability,” says Nicola Kociuba, learning and performance business partner at Evoke. “For example, our Nomination Committee monitors progress against diversity objectives and considers diversity in succession planning and appointments, while ensuring decisions remain based on merit, experience and capability.”

Playtech also tracks its DEI achievements. According to Sophie Yaxley, the company’s global Centre of Excellence director, female representation within Playtech’s leadership rose from 23% in 2021 to 32% in 2025.

“Ultimately, our focus is not only on representation, but on fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, develop and succeed,” Yaxley says.

About Milky Ways

The company committed to a management reshuffle late last year as part of this transition, scrapping the role of deputy CEO after Velipekka Nummikoski was shuffled into a new role.

The operator has made a number of key operational and technology changes during this process, including switching its sportsbook backend from DraftKings to OpenBet. And hiring a number of industry stalwards to lead its competitive business.

Former Scientific Games veteran Chris Armes was appointed as the new executive VP of Gaming Technologies in early August. Armes is set to take up his new role in the autumn of 2026, leading Veikkaus’ technology organisation from its Helsinki headquarters. 

About Milky Ways

Before joining the Ministry of Finance, Fabio Macorin served in Brazil’s Federal Police for 17 years. For a decade, he focused specifically on the investigation and prevention of banking and financial fraud. This experience helped shape his approach to betting regulation, particularly regarding anti-money laundering, financial monitoring, combatting the illegal market and inter-agency cooperation.

Brazil’s regulated betting market formally launched in 2025 and has since become one of the most closely watched regulatory initiatives in the global gaming and betting sector. Macorin, who also served as the SPA’s undersecretary for monitoring and enforcement, has been directly involved in initiatives to combat illegal operators, strengthen cooperation with financial institutions, telecommunications providers and other government authorities, as well as develop data-driven tools for regulatory oversight and enforcement.

Commenting on his election, Macorin expressed his honour at joining the IAGR board and contributing Brazil’s experience to the association’s international work.