Jens Halle recognised the importance of personal relationships in this industry. I have a great amount of gratitude to have shared a strong bond with Jens. He connected with people at a level above
and beyond a business relationship. It is a level of connection that is impactful in all regards for the industry we serve.
AGEM - Jens Halle Award Dream Career
Ahead of G2E Vegas, AGEM has announced the winners of its Memorial Awards honouring Jens Halle and Peter Mead. The winner of the Jens Halle Award, Steve Sutherland, CEO of Konami Gaming, spoke to G3 ahead of the award ceremony hosted by AGEM October 9 at the G2E Networking Lounge.
STEVE SUTHERLAND CEO Konami Gaming
Steve, what are your thoughts on winning the award and receiving recognition from AGEM members?
I have a deep admiration for those who have been recognised in AGEM’s Memorial Awards. To be counted among the recipients is an honour I consider with great admiration and respect.
Steve, how did you get into the gaming industry? What was your starting point?
I joined the industry in 1994, signing on with Bally Gaming, as it was known at the time. It was a challenging regulatory and financial period for the organisation. I was part of the team tasked to refine the company’s distribution model, as the industry was at the precipice of a significant growth phase both domestically and abroad. As part of this process, it became immediately apparent to me that the company’s international distribution model, and most importantly, its management team, were
80
fully prepared to address the future growth of the international market. Tis provided me the opportunity to focus my efforts primarily on the North American market. Te management team overseeing the international market was Mr. Keko Mottes and Mr. Jens Halle. Based on my reflection of that time, Keko, Jens and I developed a high level of mutual respect that led to a lasting bond amongst us. I consider both those individuals as friends although Jens passed away prematurely.
It’s been three decades since you entered the gaming industry. What are the reasons you’ve stayed in gaming?
Future technology growth continues to be a driving force for Konami Gaming, our casino customers, and me personally. Te importance of responsible, regulated gaming industry expansion is another matter that is of considerable interest. And as many of our colleagues will affirm, the strong bonds and relationships we form within this industry are often a central factor in the work we do.
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 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138