Codere appoints seasoned executive Gonzaga Higuero as new CEO

Multinational gaming industry company Codere Group has announced the appointment of Gonzaga Higuero as CEO. The executive will bring "his valuable knowledge and experience to further consolidate the company's leadership position in all its markets and drive the group's growth, through the development of new businesses and its online project," the business said in a statement.

Previously, Gonzaga Higuero held the position of CEO at Health Transportation Group - the second largest healthcare transportation services provider in Europe - leading since 2018 the refinancing process, turn around and acquisition of the company by a new shareholder in 2021, and the group's growth plan over the last two years.

Furthermore, he has held various management positions at Prosegur during his 15 years with the group, including general manager for Latin America South, general manager for EMEA and Pacific for Prosegur Cash, and general manager for Europe. Previously, he also held various positions in the Carrefour Group.

Gonzaga Higuero, nuevo CEO de Codere para liderar la nueva etapa del grupo.https://t.co/UH2HXsLvux pic.twitter.com/IcUdryNwmP

— CODERE (@GrupoCodere) July 10, 2023

"It is a great challenge and responsibility to lead this organization, with the goal of improving our competitiveness and profitability to address a new phase of growth after the pandemic. We have new projects ahead of us to continue to be a global benchmark and provide the best entertainment and gaming experience to our customers," said Gonzaga Higuero.

Christopher Bell, Codere Group's Non-Executive Chairman, was confident that "with the addition of Gonzaga Higuero to our team, we are reinforcing this new post-pandemic phase of returning to the group's growth path."

Gonzaga Higuero holds an MBA from IESE Business School, a law degree, and a diploma in business consulting from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE).

The appointment comes after Codere last month added Michal Elimelech to its board of directors. Elimelech previously held multiple positions at 888, including head of US marketing, head of bingo and head of developed markets for EMEA.