- University of Houston
- DePaul University
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Lai has performed extensively as a rock musician to raise money for different good causes, including A Leg To Stand On (ALTSO) and Mend A Heart Foundation. During her time at OpenBet, Lai raised $21,000 for charity through the Rocktober Charity Event.
She also works as an Adjunt Professor at Northwestern University as part of its Masters in Engineering Management, Digital Transformation and Product Management programme. Here, she passes on her knowledge and encourages the next generation.
EMPLOYMENT
Following her academic pursuits, Lai transitioned into the role of an Audio Engineer, working as a Freelance Audio Engineer from 1999 to 2001. Her audio engineering skills were put to use at prestigious institutions such as the Banff Centre for the Arts, where she contributed to commercial studios and live recordings for professional artists. Notable projects included editing engineer for RCA/Victor BMG Classical Recordings and live recordings for the Aspen Music Festival.
In 2005, Lai stepped into the role of Product Manager at Shure Inc., where she managed the Mid-Tier Wireless Product Line and launched the Corporate Microflex Line of wired and wireless microphones. Her accomplishments included receiving the Shure Product of the Year distinction and participation in high-profile product installations.
Lai's career at Shure Inc then led her to WMS Gaming, where she served as Senior Director of Product Management from 2008 to 2015. She rapidly advanced from a senior manager role to executive management, directing product planning and contributing to revenue growth and customer satisfaction.
Continuing her ascent in the industry, Lai became VP of Products and Strategy at Scientific Games from 2015 to 2018. Here, she guided post-merger integration teams and managed product strategy and portfolio roadmaps for Bally, WMS and Shufflemaster branded slot products.
In 2018, Cathryn became SVP of Products, Marketing and Gaming Operations at Scientific Games. As head of the department, she managed the financial performance, product roadmaps and portfolio strategy for both slot machines and electronic table games.
Additionally, she played a pivotal role in crafting and executing the comprehensive marketing strategy for the Gaming Division. This encompassed aspects such as Marcomm strategy, tradeshows and events, digital marketing strategy, market research, and insights and analytics. Lai also provided oversight for critical gaming operations functions, including asset management, product placement, pricing strategies and game performance management; all aimed at optimising return on investment.
From 2018 to 2019, Cathryn served as SVP of Products, Marketing, and Gaming Operations at Scientific Games, leading the coordination of two distinct post-merger integration teams, facilitating the development of a unified product and business strategy. She also supervised the formulation of product strategies and portfolio roadmaps for slot products under the Bally, WMS, and Shufflemaster brands. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion, where she assumed an expanded role in overseeing and spearheading the global electronic table games business.
In October 2020, Cathryn took on the role of SVP and GM of US Digital at SG Digital, overseeing the commercial, product, strategy and operations of the iGaming and sports betting market in the US. Her achievements included new market entries and substantial revenue growth.
Lai transitioned to the esteemed position of CCO at OpenBet in October 2021. In this role, she is actively shaped OpenBet's commercial operations, product strategy and industry partnerships, making a significant mark on the sports betting and gaming ecosystem.
After her time in OpenBet, Lai moved to Las Vegas Sands Corp as its COO. Here, she is responsible for overseeing the Sands Digital division.
Furthermore, Lai also serves as a Board of Director and Vice Chair at AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association. AVIXA drives industry standards, strategies, professional associations and trade shows in the audiovisual industry, highlighting Lai's commitment to industry development and leadership.
