Novomatic Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of Austrian slot-manufacturing and operational giant Novomatic Group, has named former Bally Technologies executive Rick Meitzler as the new vice president of North American sales. Meitzler, who will be based in Chicago, will be responsible for gaining market share for the Austrian slot-maker across U.S. markets.
Most recently, Meitzler spent three years as director of sales for the U.S. Midwest for Bally. Prior to that, he was vice president of North American operations for Ainsworth, and oversaw the Australian slot-maker’s entry into the U.S. market.
Meitzler replaces Jens Halle, who spearheaded the creation of Novomatic Americas before announcing he is stepping down from his position as CEO of the subsidiary and managing director of Novomatic’s Austrian Gaming Industries by the end of the year.
“We are all absolutely delighted to welcome Rick Meitzler to this crucial position,” said Halle of the appointment. “I have known him, as both a former colleague and a personal friend, for many years, and I am extremely happy that he has agreed to take up this key appointment. Rick is extremely well respected throughout the industry, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Novomatic as we now more aggressively pursue key North American markets.”
“I look forward to taking these groundbreaking products to market very soon,” said Meitzler, “and I already know that U.S. operators are more than keen to see and try them. Novomatic has such a proud reputation in the global gaming industry and, of course, the huge advantage of the innovation and direction skills of its founder and owner, Professor Johann F. Graf.
“I regard it as a great honor for me to be asked to play a significant part in what I am certain will be major success story across America.”
