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Square in the Air to launch integrated creative offering following appointment of Hugh Johnson and Nick Withersby
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Global award-winning marketing agency Square in the Air has made a transformational, double C-level appointment, hiring creative duo Hugh Johnson and Nick Withersby.
The pair step into the newly created roles of Chief Client Officer (Johnson) and Chief Creative Officer (Withersby) to lead the formation and operation of an integrated creative division that will deliver full-scale brand strategy, advertising and marketing campaigns.
Johnson and Withersby each bring more than 20 years’ experience in brand strategy, marketing and advertising, having worked together since 2022 at Amigo Partnership, where they delivered standout and award-winning work for clients including LiveScore, Flutter, Virgin BET, UNICEF and Soccer Aid.
They also collaborated on The Pools’ brand relaunch, with the campaign a winner at the 2025 Alliance of Independent Agencies Awards.
Johnson will lead creative client relationships and the agency’s responses to briefs.
His career in advertising and sports marketing has spanned some of the world’s leading brands, rights holders, sports publishers and broadcasters, in a variety of senior positions within global creative agencies, independent digital agencies, and sports publishing networks. His client experience includes running global and regional campaigns for the Premier League, Coca Cola, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Eurosport, The Jockey Club, Imperial Brands, William Grant & Sons, GiveMeSport.com and The Football Content Awards.
Chief Client Officer Johnson said: “From our work in the sports, betting and gaming industries, I have been aware of and admired Square in the Air for some time. They are a grown-up and established agency – and we are excited to come in and help creatively develop what is already a very successful business.
“I am inspired by the sweet spot where creativity, fan culture and technology collide, to create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences, that drive a tangible step-change in behaviour. The opportunity to combine strategic brand development and conceptual creative thinking with the existing expertise in-house is huge, and I cannot wait to get started!”
Withersby will oversee Square in the Air’s creative output, working with its in-house copywriters, design and video teams.
He has built brands, campaigns, and creative teams across sport, gambling, charity, publishing, tech, SaaS, consumer and B2B, working at and with the likes of LiveScore, Virgin Bet, Flutter, Fincore, McLaren F1, Soccer Aid, UNICEF, Legal & General, and Thomson Reuters.
Chief Creative Officer Withersby said: “I absolutely love what I do – that early flurry when an idea is starting to take shape and you can feel it has got legs. What is even better is seeing it go the distance – landing at scale, across the right channels, in front of the right people, making the noise it should.
“That is what this role gives us. Square in the Air is packed full of PR, social, content and video experts, with whom we can create truly integrated creative campaigns for brands.
“The company already works with an exciting selection of clients, and I am so excited to see what we can all do together. Let’s go!”
The pair will report to Square in the Air CEO Ben Cleminson, sitting alongside Chief Operating Officer Ollie Drew and Chief Commercial Officer Robin Hutchison.
“This promises to be a truly transformational moment for Square in the Air,” said CEO Cleminson.
“I have been fortunate to see Hugh and Nick work at close hand, and they are exceptional creatives. The addition of their skills and experience is incredibly exciting for all teams across our business, and their leadership and fresh perspective will massively benefit the agency.
“The division that we are launching with Hugh and Nick will add a creative layer to our business, allowing us to provide a vital, sought-after service to a client base that we have nurtured over nearly 20 years, while also extending our reach into new markets and sectors.”
Square in the Air is a full-service marketing agency with clients all over the world and a team of more than 50 employees. It works with operators, suppliers and affiliates across sport, betting and gaming, and fintech offering services including digital and traditional PR, social media and influencer management, ambassador and sponsorship activation, design and branding, video and content production, and performance marketing.
The post Square in the Air to launch integrated creative offering following appointment of Hugh Johnson and Nick Withersby appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming
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Casino Guru proudly unveils four new award categories for the upcoming Casino Guru Awards 2026, further expanding its mission to recognize individuals and organizations shaping a fairer, safer, and more forward-thinking iGaming industry.
Following three years of continued growth and rising influence, the Casino Guru Awards remain the only industry awards focused primarily on fairness, transparency, integrity, and responsible innovation. The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta, in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta, will spotlight outstanding achievements from across the global iGaming landscape.
This year’s newly introduced categories reflect Casino Guru’s commitment to acknowledging emerging talent, ethical leadership, and positive workplace culture.
New Award Categories for 2026
Woman Leader of the Year
This category celebrates an exceptional female leader whose vision, resilience, and strategic influence have helped transform her company and the industry as a whole.
Judges will look for measurable achievements in 2024–2025, including business growth, crisis management, innovation in user experience, safety, transparency, and responsible gambling.
The award is open to women driving meaningful impact while championing diversity, mentorship, and collaborative progress within iGaming.
Rising Star in Responsible Gambling
Designed to recognize organizations making remarkable early strides in safer gambling initiatives, this category highlights innovation and genuine commitment from companies of all sizes.
Whether through impactful tools, awareness campaigns, or fresh approaches to player protection, nominees must demonstrate provable results that contribute to higher standards of responsibility and safety across the industry.
Young Changemaker Award
Honoring an individual under 30, the Young Changemaker Award shines a spotlight on rising professionals whose ethical innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking actions have made a visible impact in 2025.
Judges will consider originality, leadership ability, and tangible contributions that set a new benchmark for integrity and progress in iGaming.
Industry Culture Shaper
Recognizing that true industry progress starts within organizations, this award honors companies that cultivate positive, transparent, and supportive workplace cultures.
Nominees will be assessed based on measurable outcomes such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, alongside initiatives that support wellbeing, mental health, professional development, and ethical HR practices.
Additional weight will be given to organizations whose efforts inspire better standards beyond their walls through partnerships, advocacy, or shared knowledge.
A broader vision for industry progress
“The addition of these categories marks an important evolution for the Casino Guru Awards,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project.
“By spotlighting leadership, emerging talent, responsible innovation, and culture, we are amplifying the people and values that will define the future of iGaming. These awards aim to inspire positive change at every level, from individual contributors to global operators.”
The new categories will stand alongside Casino Guru’s established awards, including The Fairest Bonus Policy, The Most Transparent Casino, The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools, and others that reflect Casino Guru’s core values.
The post Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro
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CT Interactive is further expanding its presence in the regulated Romanian market through the launch of new gaming content on Maxbet.ro. This collaboration introduces a selection of top-performing titles designed to boost player engagement and enhance the overall gaming experience across the region.
As part of the collaboration, Maxbet.ro will feature two exclusive titles available only to its players — Kyoto Magic and Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus.
Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, said: “Our collaboration with Maxbet.ro reflects our commitment to developing high-quality content that meets the demands of the modern Romanian player. Titles like Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus and Kyoto Magic showcase the best of our portfolio – dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, attractive bonus features and excellent math models.”
“We are confident that our exclusive titles will enhance the gaming experience for Maxbet’s players, offering them a richer, more immersive, and engaging journey,” added Bogdan Smeu, Regional Manager for Romania at CT Interactive.
In addition to the exclusive titles, Maxbet.ro will now feature a selection of CT Interactive’s most popular games, including 20 Mega Star, Lucky Clover 10, The Shining Globe, Zet Fruits and Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus.
The launch of this new content underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to the Romanian market, delivering premium gaming experiences that enhance player engagement and contribute to the long-term success of its partners.
The post CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
CT Gaming Shortlisted in Three Categories at BEGE Awards 2025
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CT Gaming has announced that the company has been shortlisted in three major categories at the BEGE Awards 2025, reaffirming its strong market presence and commitment to delivering innovative gaming solutions.
This year, CT Gaming is a finalist in the following categories:
• Slot Product of the Year – Next 32
• Jackpot System of the Year – Diamond Tree Deluxe
• Casino Management System of the Year – Rhino CMS
These nominations recognise the company’s continuous ability to combine modern technological advances with proven performance, creating products that deliver exceptional value to both operators and players.
NEXT 32 is the most innovative slot cabinet in CT Gaming’s portfolio, impressive with its advanced technical features, ergonomic design and enhanced player interaction.
The upgraded Diamond Tree Deluxe jackpot system stands out with improved visuals, smoother gameplay and the exciting ability for players to win any jackpot tier directly from the base game. Its flexibility allows operators to configure parameters according to their venue needs, offering a customized jackpot experience.
Rhino, CT Gaming’s powerful casino management system, continues to evolve with new modules and features that streamline operations, support informed decision-making and enhance player interaction. Its comprehensive and scalable platform is designed to suit gaming venues of any size.
“We are honored to receive recognition in three categories this year. It reflects our team’s dedication to innovation and delivering products that support the success of our partners,” said Biser Bozhanov, CEO at CT Gaming.
The post CT Gaming Shortlisted in Three Categories at BEGE Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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