Global Gaming Women (GGW), a non-profit dedicated to advancing professional women in the gaming industry, recently announced the appointment of Lauren Bates as the new President of the Board of Directors. Bates takes the reins from Cassie Stratford, who successfully led the organization during her two-year term. The transition comes at a pivotal moment for GGW, as it seeks to build upon the achievements and geographical expansion of the past two years.
Overview of Leadership Changes:
Lauren Bates, formerly GGW’s First Vice President, assumes the role of President, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission. Siobhan Lane, the EVP and Group CEO for Gaming at Light & Wonder, steps into the position of First Vice President. Brandi Ellis, SVP of VIP Marketing at Caesars Entertainment, takes on the role of Second Vice President. These appointments are set to shape the direction of GGW until 2026.
Leadership Perspectives:
In her inaugural statement as President, Lauren Bates emphasized GGW’s longstanding commitment to supporting, inspiring, and influencing the development of women in the gaming industry since 2011. She expressed her dedication to building upon the foundation laid by Cassie Stratford and steering GGW towards even greater growth.
Cassie Stratford, reflecting on her tenure, praised Lauren Bates for her demonstrated work ethic and determination, attributing her efforts to the recent growth and success of GGW. Stratford expressed confidence in the new leadership team’s ability to bring fresh energy and take GGW’s mission to new heights in the coming years.
Mission and Vision Reinforcement:
Lauren Bates underscored GGW’s core mission of empowering women in gaming and acknowledged the collective dedication of the entire Board of Directors to this cause. The organization, under Bates’ leadership, aims to capitalize on the investment, success, and expansion achieved in the last two years to foster even greater growth.
Organizational Milestones:
The outgoing President, Cassie Stratford, highlighted the notable achievements during her term, emphasizing the support of sponsors and the broader community in advancing GGW’s vision for the betterment of the gaming industry. With a solid foundation in place, the new leadership team is poised to leverage their energy and expertise to elevate GGW’s mission in the years to come.
Looking Forward:
Lauren Bates expressed optimism about the future, citing the incredible energy and dedication of the new leadership team. The focus remains on driving GGW’s vision forward, aligning with the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and ensuring that women continue to have a significant and influential role within it.
The appointment of Lauren Bates as President marks a new chapter for Global Gaming Women. With a renewed focus on empowerment, inclusivity, and industry advancement, the organization is well-positioned for sustained growth. As GGW looks to the future, the collective commitment of its leadership team sets the stage for impactful contributions to the gaming sector and the ongoing support of women professionals within it.