Rootz promotes from within for new CMO and COO roles

Malta-based online casino operator Rootz has strengthened its leadership team with two new internal promotions as the company looks to continue its recent growth.

The changes see Melanie Hainzer promoted from head of marketing to chief marketing officer (CMO), while Tony Kjaldstrom has been promoted from head of casino to chief operating officer (COO).

Hainzer joined Rootz in early 2019 as a senior iGaming consultant, bringing over 10 years of industry experience from the likes of Mansa Gaming, BetHard Group, LeoVegas and Mr Green.

Since joining the operator she has led the marketing efforts for Wildz Casino, Rootz’s first online casino brand.

“It’s an honour to be not only considered, but promoted to an executive position at Rootz,” said Hainzer. “I’ve been very happy to work for this company and am excited to assume a larger role. I’m looking forward to 2020 and beyond.”

New COO Kjaldstrom has been with Rootz since August 2019 as head of casino, helping build and manage the casino platform and playing a central role in planning the future strategy of the company.

Before joining Rootz, he served as a product owner at Gaming Innovation Group and also held roles at Guts Gaming and Nordicbet.

“These are exciting times at Rootz and Wildz. I’m very grateful for this new position and will remain committed to seeing that Rootz doesn’t rest on its previous success and instead redoubles its efforts to make fantastic casino products even better,” said Kjaldstrom.

Commenting on the promotions, Rootz CEO Lasse Rantala said: “Melanie and Tony are two of the hardest-working people in a company full of impressive workers. To be able to excel where there are so many motivated people is a testament to their extraordinary work ethic and ability.

“It is especially satisfying that we were able to fill these roles with current Rootz team members. We take great pride in being able to promote internally and look to do so in the future as much as possible.”