NuxGame has appointed Mariia Baranova as its new Chief Operating Officer, introducing her leadership into the company's operational framework. Baranova transitions from a successful tenure in account management, where her client service strategy has resulted in an impressive average satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5 from operators over the last six months.
Her appointment aligns with a broader strategic shift within NuxGame, which has evolved from merely being an iGaming software provider into a comprehensive ecosystem for operator growth. This ecosystem integrates a casino and sportsbook platform, game aggregation, sweepstakes-ready infrastructure, and a robust partner network. The operational complexities of maintaining this multifaceted system at scale informed the decision to bring in Baranova, who has demonstrated her ability to manage these challenges effectively in previous roles.
As COO, Baranova’s responsibilities will include instituting consistent processes across teams, ensuring data drives all decisions, and implementing AI where it can alleviate manual tasks. The company aims to enhance client reporting speed and establish transparent, trackable Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in the near future.
Daniel Heywood, the CEO of NuxGame, remarked on the goals ahead: “Our next stage is about turning progress into a scalable, data-driven, and predictable organization, one that grows faster without losing quality, transparency, or control. That is operational work, and Mariia is among the best operational minds I know. She understands the entire system rather than approaching it as a list of tasks. Her authenticity in her approach – being direct, honest, and boldly insightful – is truly distinctive.”
Baranova shared her perspective on her new role, stating, “Everything can be solved: that’s the belief I bring into this role. My job is to make NuxGame faster and more precise – numbers at the forefront of every decision, quick answers replacing the long wait for analyst requests, and ensuring the human element in thinking always leads the way.”
Additionally, Baranova is celebrated in the industry for her commitment to developing talent, having been shortlisted for the Outstanding Mentor Award at the WiG Diversity Awards 2026 earlier this year.
