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Merkur Gaming’s David Orrick to Conclude Full-Time Director Role by 2023’s Close
At the conclusion of G2E 2023’s inaugural day, David Orrick, the esteemed director of industry relations at Merkur Gaming, officially announced to the global gaming media that he will transition away from his full-time position, effective December 31, 2023.
Having garnered multiple accolades during his tenure, Orrick has been a significant presence at Merkur since January 2016. The primary impetus behind his decision is the aspiration to allocate more time to family and to finalize his casino-industry-inspired novel, “777 BLUES”, scheduled for a 2024 release.
Throughout his announcement, Orrick also shared reflections on the dynamic shifts in gaming media and communication, noting the swift advancements of technology, epitomized by the phrase, “technology moves at the speed of software”. He further acknowledged the meteoric rise of online gaming in recent years.
A poignant moment was Orrick’s homage to the late Jens Halle, whom he fondly remembered as not just a superior or mentor, but a cherished friend. Orrick expressed gratitude towards his Merkur colleagues for their collaborative efforts over the past near-decade.
While Orrick’s full-time involvement with Merkur is winding down, industry insiders speculate a potential consultative role for him in the company’s future. Athanasios “Sakis” Isaakidis, Merkur’s International Chief Executive, extolled Orrick’s invaluable contributions to the brand.
Isaakidis praised Orrick, saying, “Beyond fulfilling his professional responsibilities, David’s insight and expertise have significantly influenced many of our group’s decisions. His objective evaluations and unwavering dedication to Merkur’s best interests have made him an indispensable asset.”
He further added, “Despite my understanding of David’s desires regarding his full-time commitments, Merkur will undoubtedly seek his insights during pivotal moments in the days ahead. To David, Merkur wasn’t merely a job—it was a passion.”