Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 Announced

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2025

(203) 969-5444

The Innovation Group, Global Gaming Business, and iGaming Business recognize the next generation of gaming industry leaders

LAS VEGAS – The Innovation Group (TIG), in partnership with Global Gaming Business magazine (GGB) and iGaming Business (iGB), have announced the honorees of the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. Originally founded by TIG, the ELG 40 Under 40 recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who already are making significant impacts in the gaming industry.

Honorees were selected from a diverse cross-section of professionals from around the world, nominated through an open call to be recognized for their achievements within and dedication to the industry in all its forms. From innovative marketers and service providers to iGaming specialists and supply-side trendsetters, as well as an impressive mix of legal, regulatory, and operations professionals, the latest class of honorees signals the priorities of the modern gaming industry:

Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40, Class of 2026:

Ariel Adler, Vice President, Strategy, Business Development & Licensing, Light & Wonder
Ajoke Ajibola, Marketing Manager, Retail, Winners Golden Group
Olabimpe Akingba, Head of Responsible Gaming, PawaTech Limited
KJ Amin, Chief of Staff to CEO & President, MGM Resorts International
Tony Amormino, Chief Executive Officer & President, Apache Nugget Corporation
Angelika Antonova, Head of Sales, Affilka
Jason Ayton, SVP, Strategy & Business Development, OpenBet
Thomas Berman, Director, North America – Marketing, CRM & Engagement, Bally's Interactive
Kelci Skye Binau, Esq., Gaming Law Attorney, McDonald Carano LLP
Jen Bryson, Vice President of Marketing – Hollywood Casino Columbus, PENN Entertainment
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming, Paysafe
Peter Czoch, Engineering & Math Manager, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE)
Mike de Graaff, Co-Founder & Chief Compliance Officer, BetComply
John Debono, Co-Founder & CTO, Elantil
Elmer Espiritu, Director of Technical Compliance, Sega Sammy Creation USA Inc.
Eric Flores, Chief Operating Officer, Trilogy Group & Trilogy Digital
Brant Frazee, VP of Online Game Development, AGS (American Gaming Systems)
Brooke Hilton, Head of Casino, PointsBet Canada
Kalyn Johnson, Associate/Lead Interior Designer, HBG Design
Stephen Kenney, VIP Services Director, Potawatomi Casinos Hotel
Steve Lang, Vice President, Business Development, DraftKings
Heior Langa, Business Development Manager, TaDa Gaming
Tashina Lazcano, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Konami Gaming, Inc.
Tom Light, CEO, FIRST – Best in Sports
Jessica Maier, Co-Founder and Director, Executive Gaming and Risk Advisory (EGARA)
David Mann, CEO, Swintt
May Mgbolu, Chief of Staff, Arizona Lottery, Special Gaming Advisor, Arizona Governor’s Office
Omotola Oronti, Marketing Manager, Bet9ja/Bet9ja Foundation
Nicole Porpiglia, Managing Director – Trade & Customs, KPMG LLP
Maria Romero de Alba, International iGaming Leader, BMM Innovation Group
Zachary Salem, Vice President of iGaming, Rush Street Interactive
Alex Smith, SVP, Legal & Regulatory Compliance, Fanatics Betting & Gaming
Daniel Stafrace, Head of Cybersecurity & IT, GameLounge
Heitor Langa, Business Development Manager, TaDa Gaming
Seni Thomas, CEO, EDGE Markets Inc.
Nana Totoe, COO, Sportingtech
Max Trafimovich, Chief Commercial Officer, SOFTSWISS
R. Alex Walsh, CFO, Aristocrat Gaming
Marissa Wheeler, Senior Director, Regulatory Compliance, IGT (formerly Everi)
David Williams, Partner, Discerning Capital
Shannon Wright, Regional Vice President of Operations, Caesars Entertainment

This year’s record-breaking 250+ nominations reflect the program’s growing recognition and influence. “Year after year, ELG 40 Under 40 underscores the importance of mentorship and recognition in advancing the next generation of leaders,” said TIG President & CEO Brian Wyman. “Past honorees hold C-suite positions across top industry operators and suppliers, lead regulatory agencies, and are among gaming’s foremost thought-leaders. I expect nothing less from this impressive class.”

Nominations were reviewed and honorees selected by the ELG 40 Under 40 Selection Committee:

Pam Buckley, Executive Vice President, Global Gaming Women
Tommaso Di Chio, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Bragg Gaming Group (ELG 40 Under 40 Alumnus)
Daron Dorsey, President & CEO, AGEM
Jason Giles, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association (IGA)
Cristina Romero de Alba, Partner, LOYRA
Michael Soll, President, ICRG
Yahaya Maikori, Partner, Law Allianz

“The volume and quality of this year’s nominations were truly extraordinary,” said Robin Harrison, global content director for Clarion Gaming, the parent company of GGB and iGB. “Our selection committee did an outstanding job choosing the honorees. This year’s list represents the very best of the next generation of gaming leaders and reflects the remarkable diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields shaping the future of our industry.”

Join us to celebrate the Class of 2026 during the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Networking Reception (G2E Exhibit Hall Pass required for admittance), in partnership with Global Gaming Expo (G2E), on Wednesday, October 8, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the G2E Networking Lounge in Hall D at Venetian Expo.

About GGB and iGB: Global Gaming Business (GGB) and iGaming Business (iGB) deliver trusted news, analysis to the international land-based and online gaming industry. Supported by expansion into membership products such as iGB Executive, iGB and GGB are the established growth partners for the global gaming industry.

About TIG & ELG: The Innovation Group is a globally respected research and advisory firm serving the gaming, entertainment, hospitality, and leisure industries. With more than $100B in investment decisions driven across six continents and forecasts tracking within 5% of actual revenues, TIG has been trusted across the most competitive sectors and complex jurisdictions for decades. TIG’s commitment to cross-disciplinary expertise and performance optimization consistently leads clients through dynamic projects with clarity and confidence. TIG founded Emerging Leaders of Gaming in 2012 to give young professionals in the already competitive industries it served opportunities for recognition and professional development.