Martin Carlesund

Martin Carlesund’s decade-long association with Evolution Group has seen the company emerge as a market leader in the live casino industry, scooping numerous awards in the process. With leadership roles across eight major companies, Martin has taken Evolution to new heights, navigating complex global regulatory changes in 2026.

Major Achievements

Martin has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his career, particularly in consolidating the Evolution brand as a dominant force in the global casino industry. One of his most significant moves was the 2020 acquisition of NetEnt, where the company increased its shareholding to approximately 97%. This was followed by the Nolimit City acquisition in August 2022, which allowed Evolution to integrate high-volatility slot mechanics into its existing portfolio.

The 2025–2026 period has been defined by Martin’s “Market Adaptation” and “Ring-fencing” strategies. In early 2025, Martin directed the company to implement some of the industry’s most stringent geolocation and technical controls to ensure that Evolution content was accessible only through licensed operators. 

While this Ring-fencing initiative led to a temporary revenue decline in Europe – with Q4 2025 European revenue dropping 8.1% year-on-year to €366.7 million – it solidified the company’s reputation for compliance and long-term stability.

Another major achievement under Martin’s leadership has been the company’s resilience against cybercriminality in Asia. Throughout 2025, the region faced sophisticated cyberattacks and intellectual property theft. Martin spearheaded a methodical counter-offensive that allowed the Asian market to return to growth in late 2025. 

Simultaneously, he oversaw the expansion of the US Live Casino footprint, re-launching the Ezugi brand in New Jersey with the specific goal of becoming the second-largest live provider in North America by the end of 2026.

His strategic vision for 2026 also includes a deepening partnership with Hasbro. Martin has prioritized a product roadmap “rocket-fueled” by iconic brands like Monopoly, aiming to capitalize on the massive player shift toward hybrid game shows. 

He also managed the ongoing acquisition of Galaxy Gaming, a Las Vegas-based table games specialist. Although the deal faced delays from Nevada regulators in 2025, Martin remains focused on integrating Galaxy’s technology to bolster Evolution‘s land-based and digital convergence.

Awards & Recognition

Awards and recognition are accolades that honor a person’s (or company’s) achievements in their particular field. Under Martin’s leadership, Evolution Group has become the most decorated supplier in the iGaming industry.

Career Highlights

Martin’s professional journey began in his native Sweden, where he first entered the world of high-stakes business through his family’s ailing textile company. This formative experience was more than just a job; it was a trial by fire that forced him to learn the intricacies of cost-cutting and survival in a failing market. Cutting his teeth in such a high-pressure environment provided him with a foundational understanding of corporate resilience, a trait that would define his later tenure in the volatile iGaming sector.

Following this initial start, Martin built a robust portfolio by leading various companies across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. His early career highlights include serving as the CEO of 3L System AB and holding top executive positions at Eniro Finland OY and the Nilorn Group AB. 

These roles allowed him to refine his skills in digital transformation and international management. In 2009, he moved into the media and affiliate space as the CEO of Highlight Media Group Ltd, a position he held until 2016. At Highlight Media, he successfully navigated the intersection of digital marketing and gambling, making him an ideal candidate for the supplier side of the industry.

In June 2015, Martin was appointed CEO of Evolution Group Malta, the group’s primary operational entity. His impact was immediate, leading to his promotion to Group CEO of Evolution Gaming in November 2016. 

Since taking the helm, he has presided over an era of unprecedented growth and aggressive M&A activity. Under his guidance, the company has transformed from a live casino specialist into a multi-vertical power, now employing over 20,000 people and operating studios across several continents.

In early 2026, Martin marked nearly a decade as Group CEO, having successfully steered the company through a challenging fiscal year in 2025. Despite significant global headwinds, he remains at the center of Evolution‘s strategic vision, prioritizing expansion into regulated markets such as Brazil and the United States.

In Their Own Words

Discussing his start in the family business in Sweden, Martin talked about the importance of being part of a struggling company, as it helped him learn the ins and outs of running one. He also talked about the importance of strong leadership in the gaming industry. He noted:

It’s good to have an experience where you have run a company that is in trouble, where you have to cut costs and see how you survive in a situation like that, and to expand and really build a company, getting as much market share as you can. Having only one of these might not be perfect. I would also say in the gaming industry, there have not always been experienced people running companies. I think we’re getting there now, slowly reaching the professional level and actually running companies as they should.

Martin Carlesund

Reflecting on the challenges of the 2025 fiscal year during an earnings call in February 2026, Martin expressed a sentiment of resilient dissatisfaction that has become his hallmark:

Looking at 2025 as a whole, it might have been one of our strongest years ever from an operational perspective, with amazing new games and studio expansions… However, we have handled several tough and unexpected situations: ring-fencing, extremely questionable or even criminal activities by competitors, and cybercriminality. Overall, we are proud but not happy with 2025. Our primary focus for 2026 will be on the USA, Latin America, and new innovative games.

Martin Carlesund

Source: Evolution Year-End Report, February 2026

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