COVER STORY – MERKUR
In conversation with Marcel Heutmekers - Senior Vice President of Merkur Games International
organizational changes in Latin America over the past year. For me, the main objective was to make sure that we have the right structure, clear responsibilities and the right focus to support our ambitions in the region.
We are now much better positioned to respond to our customers’ needs, to focus on the opportunities in individual markets and, ultimately, to deliver on our goal of becoming a leading player in Latin America.
Of course, organizational change always takes time, but I am very positive about where we are today. I believe we now have the right structure and, importantly, the right people in place to take the business forward.
What roles do Teresa Garduño, Director of Merkur Gaming México, and Ronald Díaz, General Manager of Merkur Gaming Peru and Colombia, play within the regional organization, and how would you describe their contribution to MERKUR’s development in Latin America?
I am very fortunate to have Teresa and Ronald on my team. They play a very important role within the international organization and are key to helping the MERKUR GROUP achieve its ambitious goals. What I value most about both of them is their deep understanding of their local markets, their customers and, perhaps most importantly, the relationships they have built over many years.
Marcel Heutmekers, Senior Vice President Merkur Games International
You joined MERKUR in October 2025, meaning that you are now approaching your first anniversary with the company. Looking back on your first year, what have been your main impressions and highlights?
Looking back on my first year with MERKUR, my strongest impression is that it is truly a unique company. It is remarkable to see what has been built over the decades, starting with the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Paul Gauselmann, who sadly passed away recently at the impressive age of 91. What strikes me is the depth of talent, experience and commitment across the organization. I have experienced a clear commitment at all leadership levels to building on that foundation and taking the company forward. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board, under the leadership of Michael Gauselmann, are important drivers of that journey.
8 SEPTEMBER 2026
On a more personal level, my role covers MERKUR’s international business across several regions, including Latin America, which has always been an important part of my professional life. I have always enjoyed being part of the region, working with its customers and, above all, its people. The opportunity to reconnect with Latin America as part of my international responsibility at MERKUR was therefore something I was particularly excited about. So, when I look back, I feel very fortunate and, honestly, very honored to be part of MERKUR. It is a company with an extraordinary history, but also with a great deal of energy, talent and motivation for the future.
A number of organizational changes have taken place across MERKUR’s Latin American business over the past year. What have been the key changes, and what impact have they had on the company’s presence in the region? Yes, we have made some important
Teresa is responsible for our business in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, while Ronald leads our operations in Peru and Colombia, two key markets for us. They are both very close to operators and the market, and they bring that local perspective that is so important. Latin America is not just one market, and we need strong local experts and leaders who understand the differences between the markets and can make the right decisions. On a personal level, they are both great people and a lot of fun to work with. They bring a lot of energy, experience and passion to what they do, and they are strong leaders for their local teams.
From a product perspective, which MERKUR games, cabinets or solutions have performed particularly well in Latin America? Are there any particular highlights that stand out? We have had some good successes in specific markets over the past few years in Latin America, and there are certainly products and installations that have performed very well across the region. At the same time, I think it is fair to say that we have also learned a lot about where we need to improve and where we still have opportunities to capture.
But I am much more excited about what is coming next and how these products can contribute to our ambitions in the region. We have some very exciting product installations that
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