George Daskalakis

George Daskalakis is the Co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Gaming.

Daskalakis is a highly experienced entrepreneur and executive within the gaming and digital media sectors, with over two decades of industry involvement. He embarked on his journey in the industry in September 2002 as the Country Manager for bwin, where he focused on enhancing the brand's presence in Greece. Following his tenure at bwin, he co-founded 24MEDIA DIGITAL MEDIA GROUP in May 2005, a venture in digital content. He then founded Poker.gr in October 2006, overseeing it until December 2011.

His significant contributions to the iGaming industry include co-founding Stoiximan in March 2012, which grew into one of the largest sports betting and online casino providers in Greece and Cyprus. In 2016, Daskalakis further expanded Kaizen Gaming's international footprint by founding Betano. Under his leadership, Kaizen Gaming, the operator of Stoiximan and Betano, has transformed from a small Athens-based startup into a global player with approximately 3,000 employees worldwide, operating in numerous markets across Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The company has been recognized as "Operator of the Year" at the EGR awards and became the first gambling sponsor of UEFA Euro 2024. Daskalakis has guided Kaizen Gaming through significant macroeconomic challenges, including the Greek financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.

Academically, Daskalakis holds a diverse educational background, including a BA in Economics from the University of Essex, an MSc in Banking & Finance from the University of Southampton, and an MSc in Decision Sciences (E-Commerce) from Athens University of Economics and Business. He also pursued executive education at Harvard Business School in 2016. His strategic vision extends to significant sponsorship programs, aligning sports teams with betting products, and spearheading the Kaizen Foundation, which supports local communities and causes, including a substantial donation for the renovation of a children's hospital in Greece. His long-term vision is for Betano to become the number one, most trusted brand globally in the industry.