The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) introduced two new directors to its board, Kurt Gissane and Scott Woodgate, during its annual general meeting on Dec. 6. The CGA also confirmed that Richard Taylor will assume his role as director, having been appointed for another three-year term.

Gissane is the Senior Vice President of Sales for North America at Aristocrat Gaming. He brings over 23 years of experience in the gaming industry, having worked in Australia, Asia, and North America.

In his current role, Gissane is responsible for overseeing several gaming sectors, including tribal gaming, different gaming classes, and emerging markets. His expertise contributes to Aristocrat Gaming’s strategic and operational initiatives in North America.

Woodgate currently serves as Vice-President (Canada) for BetMGM. He brings a diverse background in the content industry. His career includes roles at DAZN, a global streaming service, where he worked as a content and production executive in the UK and New York.

Woodgate also held various leadership and production positions at Rogers Sportsnet and CTV News, covering areas such as editorial, production, and strategy.

The organization’s leadership welcomed the new additions, with CGA President and CEO Paul Burns commenting on the positive impact the two will have on the body.

“We are excited to welcome Scott and Kurt to the Board. Their knowledge and expertise will add immense value as the CGA continues to drive our strategic mandate to advance the evolution of a regulated and responsible industry through collaboration, education, and advocacy. With Scott and Kurt, we are adding the right voices, experiences, and geographical representation to the table,” said Burns.

Ilkim Hincer, Chair of the CGA Board, also thanked the duo for joining the CGA Board and expressed his belief their backgrounds would benefit the organization.

“I want to thank Scott Woodgate and Kurt Gissane for accepting these positions, which will play an important role in supporting the growth and sustainability of Canada’s gaming industry, and I have confidence that their diverse experiences will be valuable to the Association as it delivers on its mandate,” said Hincer.

The Full 2023/2024 CGA Board of Directors:

• Scott Burton, CEO, FansUnite Entertainment Inc.
• Danielle Bush, Counsel, McCarthy Tetrault, LLP
• Bruce Caughill, Managing Director (Canada) Rush Street Interactive
• Dean Ehrlich, Executive Vice President & Games Business Leader, Everi
• Neil Erlick, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Nuvei
• Kurt Gissane, Senior Vice President, Sales Gaming, Aristocrat
• Jeffrey Haas
• Mark Harper
• Ilkim Hincer, Partner, Chair Gaming, Fogler Rubinoff LLP and Managing Director, FR Advisors LP
• Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech
• Dale Hooper, General Manager, FanDuel Canada
• Chuck Keeling, EVP, Stakeholder Relations and Responsible Gaming, Great Canadian Entertainment
• Carrie Kormos, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
• Adriane McGrath, Vice President, Business Development, Konami Gaming Inc.
• Niaz Nejad
• Rob Scarpelli, Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc.
• Richard Taylor, President, Niagara Casinos
• Scott Vanderwell, CEO, PointsBet Canada
• Shelley White, President & CEO, Responsible Gambling Council
• Scott Woodgate, Vice President (Canada), BetMGM