Toronto-listed social casino operator Imperus Technologies has hired FUN Technologies co-founder and NYX Gaming Group director James Lanthier as its new chief executive, with the company’s founder Daniel Kajouie shifting over to focus on business development efforts.
Lanthier is an experienced public company executive with a strong track record in finance, mergers and acquisitions, as well as in growing gaming business. Most recently he served as chief executive of technology and media-focused private equity partnership RAM Equity and previously founded FUN Technologies.
Founded in 2002, FUN grew to become the largest provider of online casual and fantasy sports games, before it was acquired by Liberty Media Corporation in 2007.
Lanthier has also served as chief operating officer of in-store customer experience solutions provider Mood Media Corporation.
He replaces Imperus founder Kajouie, who will take on the role of vice-chairman of the company’s board of directors as well as overseeing business development.
“The opportunity that lies ahead for Imperus is enormous,” Lanthier said of his appointment. “Imperus has a strong position in what is one of the most desirable intersections of technology and entertainment: social casino gaming.
“Imperus will now focus exclusively on the social casino market opportunity. Our goal is to build on the momentum within our existing business as well as our recently announced acquisition, Akamon, while we continue to seek out complementary assets that can help us grow in geographic markets, channels, and content. I am excited to work with Daniel Kajouie, Imperus’ founder, and am pleased that he has agreed to continue to guide the company’s business development efforts.
“We look forward to making further announcements about Imperus, including changes to the board of directors, in the coming weeks,” Lanthier added.
Kajouie welcomed the new CEO to the Imperus team. He hailed Lanthier’s “tremendous” track record in the industry, adding he was confident the appointment would help take the company to new heights.
“We are very fortunate with the opportunities available to Imperus today and we intend to aggressively pursue them. As the founder of Imperus, I am encouraged by the steps the company has taken in order to achieve our short and long term objectives. I look forward to working with James as vice-chairman of the board of Imperus.”
source : www.gamingintelligence.com
