Shimon Akad
Shimon Akad is Chief Operating Officer at Playtech, one of the world’s leading gambling technology companies. With over a decade in senior leadership, he oversees global operations across both B2B and B2C segments, shaping the company’s product strategy, market expansion, and commercial delivery in regulated jurisdictions.
Bio
The Operational Brain Behind Playtech
Akad joined Playtech in 2011, bringing operational expertise and a clear vision for scalable growth. In 2015, he was appointed COO, taking full responsibility for the company’s B2B and B2C divisions. He oversees business units spanning casino, sports betting, poker, bingo, and live dealer, with a focus on profitability, integration, and product alignment.
Under his direction, Playtech streamlined its commercial and operational structures while building a globally consistent delivery model. His leadership ensures that Playtech remains agile across jurisdictions, with technology and services tailored to local regulatory frameworks.
Akad is widely credited as the operational architect behind Playtech’s omnichannel strategy — merging retail and digital ecosystems into a unified player journey. This model has become central to the company’s value proposition, particularly in regulated markets where brand consistency and compliance are key.
He has also been a driving force in Playtech’s international growth. From expanding into Latin America and the U.S. to deepening the company’s presence in core European markets, Akad has steered Playtech through some of its most ambitious global moves. Notable milestones under his tenure include strategic partnerships with MGM Resorts in live casino and the integration of advanced payment solutions through Paysafe.
A Promoter of Inclusion and Responsible Innovation
Akad’s leadership goes beyond operations. He is a strong advocate for corporate responsibility, leading Playtech’s ESG initiatives and championing inclusion across the iGaming sector. As a founding supporter of the company’s alliance with the All-In Diversity Project, he has helped embed diversity, equality, and responsible gaming into Playtech’s culture.
His commitment to these principles reflects a broader vision: building a technology company that balances performance with ethics, scale with sustainability.
Akad maintains a strong presence at industry events and executive panels. In January 2025, he spoke at iGB @ ICE in London, sharing his perspective on the shifting U.S. market and Playtech’s role in the region’s development. He also featured in a NEXT.io podcast, discussing regulatory trends in Brazil and the company’s North American roadmap.