David Orrick, one of the most recognized international gaming industry communication professionals, has passed away

David Orrick, a well-known executive in the international entertainment industry, passed away on September 13 in England at 75.

Orrick was undoubtedly one of the leading figures in the sector, and in recent years he held relevant positions in multinational companies, supported and founded gaming organizations. The international community recognized him as one of the most outstanding experts.

His career included leadership roles in companies such as R. Franco, Unidesa, Novomatic and, and since 2016, he was part of the Merkur Group, where he held the position of Industry Relations Director of the Merkur Gaming division, until 2023.

"Only a few were as familiar with the world of gaming and its protagonists as David was. He stood out with a wealth of experience and unmatched expertise in his field, which greatly contributed to strengthening our international market presence," said Jürgen Stühmeyer, Management Board member of Merkur Sales, when the news of his passing was announced. "He was a valued and important companion – both within the Merkur Group and especially across the entire international media landscape of the gaming industry," the company added.

Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter, commented: "From the moment he joined the industry in 1995 he participated in our events first as a journalist and then as an exhibitor representing many of the land-based sectors’ best-known manufacturers. David was a formidable personality steeped in the industry, highly knowledgeable, and internationally respected. When David shared his opinion you listened and took note of his insights."

"He was a font of knowledge and was extremely kind and generous to Clarion and to me personally when I joined this industry. He was a true ‘critical friend’ and made important contributions to the success of our brands, not least ICE which he supported with a passion. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him," the executive highlighted.

Fulwood Media Publishing Director Jon Bruford acknowledged Orrick’s "huge influence" on gambling media. "David could be difficult, even obtuse when he wanted to be. I’ve seen him no end of times in almost adversarial conversations, where he was like a cat toying with prey. If you’ve ever tried to get him to spend money on advertising, you’ll know exactly what I mean. But he was also extremely generous with time and knowledge, an easy conversation, and great company. He’ll definitely be missed in the industry," he said.

Personally, those of us who knew David will remember his good humor, an unconditional characteristic when meeting at international events, as well as his untiring kindness, his convivial dinners, his anecdotes, and his professionalism, which over the decades allowed him to establish a close friendship with those of us who work in the professional communication of the gaming industry.

We will remember with nostalgia the closing of each opening speech, in the press dinners held for years in the framework of the main events of the sector, in which with unmistakable English phlegm he would say "And the agenda is: there is no agenda".

His passion and dedication to communication were reflected not only in his analysis of the industry and his recommendations (always generous to this media) but above all in his numerous publications, which earned him recognition such as the recent Jimmy Thomas Award for Outstanding Contribution.

I think it is fair to remember that David was a gentleman in every sense of the word, an affable and professional man, owner of a capacity for analysis and a precision in his speech that will be difficult to match in the industry. From Yogonet we regret this great loss, we will miss his presence and we respectfully accompany the pain of his colleagues, friends, and family.