Online gambling software outfit Playtech has appointed CEO Shimon Akad to the COO role, replacing outgoing COO Shay Segev.

Segev will stay on for the next few months to perform a handover while former Head of Casino Amir Askarov will replace Akad as Playtech Israel CEO.

“The talent pool we have at our disposal is one of our core strengths and it was an easy decision to make. I am proud of our ability to identify and promote talent from within given the strong contribution made by Shimon and Amir,” CEO Mor Weizer wrote in an email to staff. “Shimon brings a unique blend of leadership, inspiration, operational experience, technical breadth, and passion for the gaming business, while Amir’s product and leadership experience and the integral role he has played in the company’s operational growth during his nine years with us makes him the ideal candidate to run the Israel operation.”

Weizer said Segev plans to pursue new opportunities after nine years with Playtech, during which time he played a key role in establishing and developing its retail division and the creation of the company’s transformational omni-channel solution.