Updated

Jovana Popovic Canaki

CEO
iGP

Jovana Popovic Canaki is an international executive with a long-running career in the gaming industry. Regarded for her negotiation skills, business acumen and operational expertise, Canaki has demonstrated an ability to drive growth and success in various leadership roles. In June 2024 she stepped into the role of Deputy CEO for iGP, before being appointed the full title in January 2025.
Education
  • Odessa I.I.Mechnikov National University
    2003-2007
  • University of Ljubljana
    2007-2008

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Canaki is a seasoned executive in the gaming industry with a career spanning over 17 years. Known for her strategic insight and leadership abilities, Canaki has made contributions to various companies in the iGaming sector, including a recent tenure as the VP of Partner Success for Aspire Global.  

EMPLOYMENT

Canaki began her professional journey as a HR Assistant at Ukrtramp in 2003 where she honed her skills in communication, recruitment and policy development. She held this role for one year before moving on in 2004. 

Afterwards, she transitioned to a role as Key Account Manager for the Central and Eastern European markets at Sonoprom, where she worked from 2008 to 2010.  

In 2010, Canaki took on a new role as Risk Manager of Spleti. In this role, she was responsible for managing fraud operations, developing security and anti-fraud policies and reducing overall fraud risk exposure.  

Canaki’s next major career milestone came in 2013 when she joined Oryx Gaming. Over the subsequent eight years, she transitioned through various roles of increasing responsibility. Starting in operations, she ensured the company's daily functions ran efficiently. She then progressed to become Head of Turnkey Solutions and eventually Director of Business Unit for iGaming Platform and Services. 

In February 2021, Canaki left Oryx Gaming and took on the role of Managing Director at Masterpiece Gaming where she further developed her leadership and management skills. In total she was with Masterpiece Gaming for a year and a half before moving on in May 2022. 

Canaki’s next move saw her joining Aspire Global where she was appointed as VP of Partner Success – a position she held for just over two years from May 2022 to June 2024.  

Finally, in June 2024 it was announced that Canaki had been appointed as the Deputy CEO of iGP – a role that positions her at the forefront of the company’s expansion and growth initiatives. She would hold this position for eight months, before being promoted to CEO in January 2025.

“I am honoured to be named CEO of iGP and thank Giovanni for this opportunity. I’ve spent my time here getting to know and understand our operators’ needs and really believe that iGP is the business to lead and solve their problems as we experience rapid growth makes me incredibly proud.” Jovana Popovic Canaki
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