Evolution Gaming, the pioneer of video-streamed Live Dealer gaming, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Helen Hedgeland as Head of Marketing and Fredrik Svederman as CFO.

Hedgeland was previously Head of Marketing at networked gaming specialist Octavian International. Working with numerous geographic markets worldwide, Hedgeland gained considerable experience of the global casino industry – experience that she believes will be vital in her new role, as online and offline gaming operations converge.

Commenting on her appointment, Hedgeland said: “Evolution is an energetic and innovative company with a market-leading reputation in online gaming. I believe my experience in the traditional casino market and Evolution’s proven technology and products will encourage more bricks-and-mortar venues to extend their operations online – in a way that strengthens their brands and attracts new players, without cannibalising their in-venue revenues.”

Amongst Hedgeland’s objectives will be to raise Evolution’s profile on a global scale, building on the brand awareness Evolution has established in Europe. Central to this activity will be the promotion of the state-of-the-art facilities at Evolution’s own Production Studios in Riga, Latvia. Here, techniques such as blue screen technology make it highly cost effective for operators to make custom-branded dedicated tables or complete environments available in real time to their customers over the Internet. “For the customer, the experience is as close as possible to playing in a real casino – with the reassurance of familiar branding, the excitement of live games, a personalised customer experience, and professional dealers who interact with customers and can promote other attractions,” added Hedgeland.

Svederman joins Evolution having previously been Chief Financial Officer at Nordnet, the largest online stock brokerage in the Nordics. During Fredrik’s time at Nordnet turnover increased from €17m to €120 while the number of employees more than tripled. Commenting on his new post and the opportunities ahead for Evolution and its clients, Svederman said:

“I have been privileged to work in entrepreneurial growth companies for most of my career, so I am delighted to have joined Evolution. The company and the industry are on the verge of something very big indeed. Betting on the Internet is still a relatively young industry but through entrepreneurial flair, investment in the latest technologies, and sheer talent and enthusiasm, Evolution has quickly established itself as a market leader. As a financial economist I see very clearly how this pioneering passion is now reaping rewards for Evolution’s clients, who are maximising their ROI with Evolution solutions that are proven to generate high revenue and high customer loyalty.”

According to Evolution’s CEO Jens von Bahr, “These are key appointments following a very successful 2010. They are part of our growth plan and will ensure that we are well positioned to maximise opportunities in our markets, which include online and land-based casinos as well as land-based betting venues.”