New Crypto CEO

One of the biggest online poker software operators, Cryptologic has appointed a new CEO as the industry continues to go through a bit of a shake-up.

Javaid Aziz has been appointed as the company’s President and CEO. Aziz, with 30 years of diversified international experience in the information technology industry, served as chief executive of IBM United Kingdom Ltd. and went on to found Aspective Ltd., a leading wireless application service provider and consulting firm.

The news comes off the back of CryptoLogic’s global headquarters move to Dublin, Ireland. This means management is closer to the majority of its business clients, such as William Hill, in Europe, an environment where gambling regulation is embraced. Not only that the majority of it’s customers are now in Europe.

Lewis Rose, the company’s CEO since July 2002, has assisted in the transition and backs the move to Ireland as the next logical step in CryptoLogic’s evolution. At the time of the September 2006 announcement on the move, Rose announced his intention to step down as CEO because of family commitments, effective upon the hiring of the new CEO.

“As the pioneer and leader of the global e-gaming software industry, CryptoLogic is one of the world’s great technology success stories,” Aziz said. “No matter where you go, CryptoLogic’s brand is synonymous with integrity, innovation and financial performance. I’m excited to lead the CryptoLogic team as we set a course for continued growth and expansion in the U.K., Europe and Asia.”

Aziz brings impressive experience in leading an advanced technology business. Between 1975 and 1995, he held positions of increasing responsibility at IBM, ascending to the rank of chief executive for the United Kingdom. Following four years as senior vice president of Silicon Graphics, Aziz founded Aspective in 1999 and sold it in 2006 to Vodafone Group Plc, the global mobile phone and technology company.

“In Javaid Aziz, CryptoLogic has chosen an experienced leader in both the management of an innovative technology company — and a global business based in Europe,” said Robert Stikeman, CryptoLogic’s Chairman. “Lewis Rose has laid an excellent foundation — and we’re confident Javaid will build on this success.”

“Working with the outstanding people at CryptoLogic has been one of the major highlights of my career,” Rose said. “Together, we’ve taken a young, entrepreneurial company and transformed it into a business that’s built to last, built to grow and built to win. With an outstanding new CEO, supported by the management team that I’ve been privileged to lead, CryptoLogic is set for success in the hottest e-gaming markets of today and tomorrow.”