Brings 20+ Years of Finance and Accounting Leadership Experience Across Hospitality, Entertainment and Gaming Industries
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Affinity Interactive (“AI”), an omni-channel gaming industry leader and ZCG portfolio company, today announced the appointment of Halise Ekmen Uysal as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Ekmen Uysal will oversee AI’s talented finance organization in planning for and executing on AI’s growth initiatives across its casinos and digital and media platforms, including Daily Racing Form, DRF Bets™ and DRF Sports.
Ms. Ekmen Uysal has more than 20 years of finance and accounting leadership experience in roles of increasing responsibility, from property-level management to the C-suite. Most recently, she served as Chief Finance, Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, which included the Chumash Casino Resort and its other diverse investments. Earlier in her career, she worked at Caesars Entertainment Corporation for 12 years in various finance roles.
“Halise is an accomplished finance executive across the gaming and hospitality industries, and we are excited to welcome her to AI as our new CFO,” said Andrei Scrivens, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Interactive. “Her track record of driving sustainable financial results while building high-performing, diverse teams will benefit all of AI’s businesses and help us execute on our strategic priorities.”
“The addition of Halise to the management team further strengthens AI’s leadership across its entire platform of premier casinos, online gaming offerings and digital media,” said James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive. “I’m confident her two decades of diverse finance experience and extensive business acumen will be valuable across the organization as AI builds on its positive momentum, delivers world-class customer experiences and drives continued growth.”
“Affinity Interactive is at the forefront of gaming innovation with a unique portfolio of technology, digital and media assets, and I look forward to joining the talented and hard-working team,” said Ms. Ekmen Uysal. “Together with Andrei, Jim and the rest of the leadership team, I’m excited to execute on the Company’s compelling growth opportunities and contribute to its continued success as a gaming leader.”
About Affinity Interactive
Affinity Interactive is an Omni-channel gaming industry leader with an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings. Combining leading regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa with advanced technology, digital and media platforms, and an online betting presence, Affinity Interactive has nearly 1 million combined customers and is positioned to capitalize on the continued momentum in sports betting and iGaming globally. Affinity Interactive companies also include: the iconic Daily Racing Form, “America’s Turf Authority since 1894” for horse racing and sports enthusiasts throughout North America; DRF Bets™, one of America’s fastest-growing online and mobile wagering platforms; and DRF Sports, which provides fans with exclusive up-to-date sports betting stats, insights and analysis on all major U.S. sports and leagues. For more information, please visit affinityinteractive.com, DRF.com, bets.DRF.com and DRF.com/sports.
Affinity Interactive is a portfolio company of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C., the private equity fund management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C. (“ZCG”).
About ZCG
ZCG is a leading, privately held merchant bank comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, technology development and solutions.
For almost 30 years, ZCG Principals have invested tens of billions in capital and have industry leading track records in private equity and credit.
ZCG has approximately $6.5B of AUM in asset management and its investors are some of the largest and most sophisticated global institutional investors including pension funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and insurance companies.
ZCG has a global team comprised of over 375 professionals. For more information, please visit www.zcg.com.
Contacts
Tim Ragones / Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449
