High 5 Games’ technology chief will join Veikkaus as the company prepares for the new competitive gambling market in Finland
Finnish state-owned lottery and gaming operator Veikkaus has appointed experienced technology leader Chris Armes as executive vice president of gaming technologies.
Armes will succeed Ari Aarnihuhta and lead Veikkaus’ technology team from the company’s headquarters in Helsinki, taking on his new role this Autumn.
Armes joins Veikkaus from High 5 Games, where he has been responsible for the company’s technology and operational delivery across B2B and B2C markets since December 2022.
Earlier in his career he held senior technology leadership roles at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), as well as Scientific Games Digital, where he led integration following the acquisition of NYX Gaming Group.
“We are very pleased to welcome Chris to Veikkaus’ executive team,” said Veikkaus president and CEO Olli Sarekoski. “His broad experience in transforming iGaming technology platforms and leading in highly regulated international markets will be extremely valuable as we continue to develop first-class customer experiences and technological innovation.
“Chris’ strong commitment to responsible gaming and security is well aligned with our values, and he brings extensive international gaming experience to our team.”
Commenting on his appointment, Armes said: “I am excited to join Veikkaus, an ambitious and forward-looking company that is entering an important new phase as the Finnish market opens and the company continues to internationalize.
“I look forward to working with the talented team in Helsinki to support the next phase of technology-led growth and to deliver competitive, scalable and safe digital platforms for our players.”
Aarnihuhta has been with Veikkaus for more than 23 years, serving as EVP of gaming technologies since January 2024. He will continue working at Veikkaus as an executive advisor.
“Ari Aarnihuhta has had a long and distinguished career at Veikkaus and has held several demanding management positions,” added Sarekoski. “I would like to warmly thank him for his significant work for the company.”