Ian Smith joins Strive Gaming as Chief Technology Officer

By Dave Sawyer, Last updated Jun 5, 2026

Strive Gaming, the award-winning real money gaming platform provider for North America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Smith as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the gaming industry, Smith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Strive.

Smith’s impressive career includes significant leadership roles at William Hill, Rank Group, Flutter Entertainment (owners of FanDuel) and Game Play Network. He has been instrumental in the technical development and growth of these businesses, each at varying levels of maturity and size.

At Rank Group, one of the UK’s leading land-based casino and bingo businesses, Smith oversaw the company-wide expansion of their Player Account Management (PAM) and Omni-Channel experience, demonstrating his ability to drive innovation and scalability within complex environments.

This experience is extremely valid to tribal and commercial casinos alike who are figuring out how to create an ideal connection between land based and digital experiences.

With additional experience across Class III and Class II gaming, and a deep understanding of US regulatory and technical complexities, Smith brings a unique perspective to Strive Gaming. Known for his hands-on approach to technical leadership, Smith is committed to driving innovation and excellence within the organisation.

Smith commenting on his new position with Strive Gaming, said: “I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Strive Gamin.”

“Having worked with their PAM product from a customer perspective, I have firsthand experience of its quality and potential. I am confident that together, we can further evolve the company and achieve our vision of becoming the number one PAM provider in North America.”

Smith’s appointment underscores Strive Gaming’s commitment to fostering innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients. His vast experience and proven track record make him an invaluable addition to the leadership team.

Max Meltzer, CEO of Strive Gaming commenting on Smith’s appointment said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian Smith to Strive Gaming as our new CTO.”

“Ian has rare characteristics; exceptional hands-on skill, experience and yet a sense of calm, humility and above all a desire to help talent around him flourish. This coupled with his extensive industry experience in the gaming industry make him the right person to lead our technical initiatives and helping the business achieve its goals.

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