The end of July marked a notably quiet period for personnel changes in the U.S. gaming sector. Each week, SBC Americas highlights the most recent appointments, departures, and promotions influencing the commercial gaming landscape.
This week, Bragg Gaming Group has appointed Matt Davey as the new chair of its board, succeeding Holly Gagnon as the non-executive chair. This transition follows Bragg’s recent acquisition of B2B online casino company Drayton International, a deal valued at $9 million.
Davey commented on this new role, stating, "Bragg has built the foundations needed for a powerful platform and distribution business: real content, real technology, and real licenses in highly regulated markets. The next chapter is about disciplined execution — focus, balance sheet strength, operating cash flow, and revenue growth driven by letting the product do the talking. I’ve built businesses through this phase before, and I look forward to supporting the board and management as they do it here."
He brings significant experience to this position as a former CEO of SG Digital, a division of Scientific Games, and as the founder and CEO of Tekkorp Capital, an investment fund focused on the gaming industry.
In Michigan, the Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is set to undergo leadership changes as Jim Ananich steps down as chair on August 1. Ananich is leaving two years into his term, having been appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in April 2025, with an expected term end in December 2028.
His successor, James H. Townsend, will assume the chair position until the term concludes in 2028. MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams remarked, "Jim Townsend is a proven leader whose legal, legislative, and economic development experience make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board. I look forward to working alongside him as the board carries out its critical mission on behalf of Michigan residents."
Townsend currently directs Wayne State University’s Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, a position he has held since November 2019. He will join a board that also includes Joni M. Thrower Davis, Mark Evenson, Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds, and Andrew T. Palms.
