MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Ashkenazi's initiation into the digital gaming sector is rooted in his earlier roles at Rational Group, where he actively contributed to the development of online poker.
His subsequent role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at PokerStars required operational expertise and a deep understanding of the dynamic and evolving digital gaming landscape.
The complexity of this role heightened during the acquisition of PokerStars by Amaya Gaming Group, a pivotal moment in his career, which saw him transition into the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Ashkenazi led the company through this important phase, overseeing integration and managing expansive growth, denoting an ability to navigate multifaceted corporate transitions.
EMPLOYMENT
Ashkenazi started his career with SQLink, where he was VP of Projects & Products between 2001 and 2005. Here, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of this division, including product management, employee training and software development.
In January 2006, he would join Playtech as COO and Board Member. He would become responsible for all the day-to-day activities and for the execution of tactical and strategic business and operational objectives.
Four years later, Ashkenazi would be appointed as VP of Business Operations still at Playtech, where he would be tasked with developing all new regulated markets, supervising strategic projects and handling compliance.
In 2011, he would step back into his old role of COO for a year and a half.
Following his time at Playtech, Ashkenazi would join Rational Group as COO, a position he would hold for two years from January 2013 to March 2015.
From April 2015 to October 2015, he would be SVP of Strategy for Amaya before returning to Rational Group to spearhead the company as CEO from November 2015 to May 2020.
During this time, he would also hold the CEO position at The Stars Group, from May 2016 to May 2020. Ashkenazi's operational leadership at PokerStars oversaw a shift towards customer acquisition as well as a pronounced emphasis on regulatory compliance and responsible gaming.
During his time at PokerStars, the company evolved into a comprehensive online gaming destination, extending its reach beyond poker to appeal to a broader audience. This diversification strategy played a crucial role in securing PokerStars' resilient market position.
As CEO of The Stars Group, Ashkenazi led the acquisition of Sky Betting & Gaming. This move substantially expanded the company's presence and diversified its product offerings, reinforcing its competitive edge within a rapidly evolving market.
In October 2019, Flutter Entertainment acquired Stars Group in a £3.8bn ($4.7m) deal. He would later before a Non-Executive Director at Flutter for four months, before leaving in August 2020.
Transitioning to Hard Rock Digital in May 2021, Ashkenazi brings a wealth of experience to the brand.
Ashkenazi's career in the digital gaming industry, from his foundational contributions at PokerStars to leadership at The Stars Group, has provided the necessary skills for this role. This expertise, alongside a history of operational leadership within the gaming industry, has led to his appointment as the current Executive Chairman of Hard Rock Digital.
"Hard Rock Games' enhanced capabilities will allow us to better engage our worldwide player communities with exceptional digital experiences and entertain our players like no one else can" Rafi Ashkenazi
