Ainsworth comments on historical investigations into CEO Harald Neumann
Summary
Ainsworth Game Technology has addressed recent media coverage concerning investigations initiated in 2019 by the Austrian Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA) involving over 100 individuals, including CEO Harald Neumann. The company became aware of these investigations at the time they were reported and ensured regulators were informed. They indicated that Mr Neumann, who was non-executive director before becoming CEO in 2021, is suitable for his role as proven by ongoing compliance checks.
Key Points
- The WKStA investigations, which began in 2019, have seen most cases against Mr Neumann and Novomatic AG discontinued.
- Ainsworth regularly updates regulators regarding the investigation status as part of their compliance obligations.
- The company has maintained a clear stance that due to the lack of factual evidence, no significant market disclosures were warranted earlier.
- Mr Neumann has been found suitable for his CEO role in multiple jurisdictions despite the ongoing scrutiny.
Why should I read this?
If you’re involved in the gaming industry or just curious about corporate governance issues, this article is a must-read! Ainsworth’s handling of a sensitive situation illustrates how companies can navigate legal complexities while maintaining transparency with regulators. Plus, it sheds light on the ethical considerations that come into play when appointing leaders in a publicly scrutinised sector.