The move was decided during a Board meeting in Finland, held "in conjunction with the first anniversary of Veikkaus Casino Tampere."

Siltanen brings experience of over 20 years within the gaming industry, having worked "at both customer service and executive levels."

She is credited with playing a key role in developing Casino Cosmopol's poker scene in Sweden, while she is currently responsible for casino operations at Veikkaus casinos in Finland.

Per Jaldung, Chairman of the ECA, said: “To prepare for the challenges facing our sector in the coming years, from the fight against illegal gambling to the promotion of our industry on the global stage, it is vitally important that we strengthen the leadership of the ECA.

“I am therefore pleased that the Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Tiina Siltanen as the Association’s Vice Chair. I will be stepping down as Chairman of the ECA at the next General Assembly and this appointment ensures strong leadership and robust support for my successor.”

Siltanen added: “I am very proud of the trust the ECA board has placed in me and look forward to my new role in the ECA. It is not a new start for me, as I have been on the ECA Board for two years.

"Still, there are topics of special importance, particularly concerning the ECA’s international events, human resource issues focused upon diversity and inclusion, and the overall reputation of the licensed casino sector to which I would like to devote attention in my new role.”

The ECA enjoyed a "reverse Brexit" last year, when several UK casinos rejoined the Association.

Meanwhile, during his time at the helm of the ECA, Jaldung was named Chief Executive of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards London 2021.