Las Vegas-based Ainsworth Game Technology announced two major management changes. The company has named Mike Trask, the longtime marketing and communications executive who currently serves as vice president of marketing and product strategy, to head the manufacturer’s game design studio in Austin, Texas.
Ainsworth also announced that industry veteran Sean Evans has been named to fill Trask’s former role as VP of marketing and product strategy.
As head of studio in Austin, Trask will lead a design team focused on creating strong performing game content.
An industry veteran, Trask has been with Ainsworth for more than eight years in roles of increasing responsibility.
“Mike was instrumental in the creation of our San Bao Panadas and San Bao Dragons games,” said David Bollesen, Ainsworth’s chief technology officer. “The games premiered in Class II and HHR markets and performance was phenomenal. We debuted them in Class III late last year on our new A-STAR Raptor cabinet and both titles appeared on the EKG Gaming Report as top new games in the country.
“This was made possible using Mike’s vision and contributions. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow leveraging instincts and industry knowledge leading the Austin team.”
During his time at Ainsworth, Trask has played key roles in the introduction of the company’s historical horse racing product, created unique platforms for sharing Ainsworth’s games and message, and led product management across multiple markets.
Trask’s promotion to head of studio further solidifies the company’s recent focus on its product development efforts.
Ainsworth has made several investments to protect and expand its legacy recently, including a 25 percent increase year-over-year in its product development efforts.
“I am excited and ready to take on this new challenge,” said Trask. “My passion for games has grown and developed over my time in the industry, and I appreciate the confidence that Ainsworth’s leadership has shown in me as I transition to this new role.”
As Ainwsorth’s new vice president of marketing and product strategy, Evans will be based at the company’s office in Las Vegas, NV. A veteran gaming industry executive with more than 25 years of experience, Evans brings a broad base of knowledge across disciplines including sales, marketing and product management to the Ainsworth team.
“Sean will be a steady and energizing influence on our marketing and product management teams,” said Deron Hunsberger, Ainsworth’s president of North America. “His vast knowledge and industry experience make him a welcome addition to Ainsworth, and further illustrates our commitment to hiring great talent as we continue to strengthen our position in the industry. Sean’s leadership will help bring our product offerings to the next level. We could not be more pleased to have him on board.”
Prior to joining Ainsworth, Evans served two years as senior vice president of sales at Eclipse Gaming. Earlier in his career, Evans spent time as the vice president of sales, Western Region for Scientific Games; general manager of AC Slots; chief operating officer at Aruze Americas; and senior vice president of sales for Aristocrat Americas.
“It’s a great opportunity to join this dynamic team,” said Evans. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s success and to spreading our message to the industry. We have a bright future. The recent launch of the top performing A-STAR Raptor cabinet and popular San Bao games show the potential of Ainsworth’s next generation of products. I am excited to help guide the strategy as we continue to improve performance.”
