Insight ARUZE GAMING David Meacher
David Meacher, Director – Business Development Europe, Aruze Gaming
David Meacher recently joined Aruze Gaming to develop the European market for the group bringing with him a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years of Operational experience in Slots and Casino development.
Previously, Meacher held senior operational positions with International Casino Operators including Ritzio Entertainment Group, Sun International, SLH, Storm International and Casino di Venezia. Having developed projects from standalone retail gaming projects to resort gaming in challenging markets and locations worldwide David Meacher will certainly add a new dimension to Aruze Gaming in Europe.
Having seen the effects of mergers and acquisitions over recent years from an operator’s perspective I had been researching the market for new partners who could add value to our product mix in Europe. Aruze Gaming was identified as a sleeping giant in the European market who could seriously add value to our operations.
Having spent his career thus far as ‘gamekeeper,’ working throughout Europe in slots operations and casinos, David Meacher has turned ‘poacher,’ signing up as Aruze Gaming’s Director of Business Development Europe. G3 interviews David about his past, present and the future prospects for the casino sector in Europe
David, you’ve spent 20 years (I’m estimating) in the operations-side of the business, with a focus on slots performance and operation, what was the motivation to join Aruze as a supplier to casinos?
It is actually a few years more, but how time flies when you are having fun! Although in some parts of the world I would be considered a “veteran” I pride myself by constantly keeping an open mind to new business processes and technologies from both within and outside the industry that I feel can add value to both the guest experience and the business bottom line.
I had previously been approached to switch from operations to the supplier side of the industry. However, I was committed to the challenges and the team I was with at the time and wanted to successfully complete the projects I was committed to so I never made the switch.
Having seen the effects of mergers and acquisitions over recent years from an operator’s perspective I had been researching the market for new partners who could add value to our product mix in Europe. Aruze Gaming was identified as a sleeping giant in the European market who could seriously add value to our operations.
In the Autumn of 2015 Mr. Takahiro Usui, CEO of Aruze Gaming, presented me with their European development plan for the region which I found to be intriguing and knowing the resources the company was placing on this development I could certainly identify with the challenge of building a strong European base for Aruze Gaming.
Although another very strong supplier in the P26 NEWSWIRE / INTERACTIVE /
247.COM
European market with whom I have the upmost respect for also approached me to join their team, the fact that Aruze Gaming’s presence in the market needs to be developed from nothing was certainly a challenge I could not ignore.
How big a change has it been to your daily routine and what’s been the reaction of the casino operators, now your clients, to your new role?
We are building the presence of Aruze Gaming in the European market where most people will remember either Universal or Sigma products. Considering that we are developing this structure the initial process of working from home was a big change for me. However, having managed numerous international projects in different time zones the transition has been very smooth.
Te reaction from casino operators has been very positive and I certainly appreciate everyone’s support for me personally and to Aruze with our new challenges.
Having been the person on the receiving end of slots sales pitches, are you approaching the conversation with operators in a different fashion?
It is a very competitive market in Europe with so much diversification that it can be difficult for new arrivals into the region.
I have had the pleasure of working with some interesting sales characters over the years who all have their own style and approach to business, however I am not the first, or the last, to make this step from operator to supplier.
Aruze Gaming Europe - taking a share of the gambling span
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60