Specialist iGaming recruitment firm ESR Group adds impressive NEDs to newly formed board

London and Valletta, 18 May 2026   –   Executive search and HR advisory firm ESR Group has today announced it has completed filling all positions on its board of directors. 

The names added to ESR’s non-executive director (NED) roster include: 

• Philip Doftvik – CEO, Qtech Games and former director at LeoVegas

• Gary Nall – Founder of PlayBook and former Entain MD

• Jonas Delin – co-founder of Avanti Studios and former founder of Authentic Gaming (acquired by Light and Wonder )

These iGaming heavyweights will assist ESR’s current leadership team to help develop solutions that solve real-world problems for sector leaders, founders and investors in the areas of people (recruitment/HR), transformational growth, GTM strategy and execution, M&A and investment. 

ESR Group comprises ESR Talent – specialising in executive search and embedded HR functions – and ESR Solutions, which provides strategic, investment and M&A advisor services.

Luke Imeson, co-founder and CEO of ESR Group, said that he’s thrilled to have these industry stalwarts and their expertise on the team, commenting: “This incredibly powerful combination of strategic minds and innovative thinkers is a fantastic boon to our already rapidly growing business. While I don’t like to brag, I truly think we’re set to make a huge difference to iGaming businesses worldwide, particularly in areas of executive search.”

Nall said: “I got to know Luke and Helena last year and found them both to be dedicated and genuine: two vital qualities in recruitment. When asked to join their board as a NED, it was an easy ‘yes’ – as working with people of their character ensures I’ll make a meaningful difference.”

Delin shared: “I’ve worked closely with Luke and the ESR team for the past seven years. What truly sets them apart in a very crowded space is their genuine focus on solving problems big and small, rather than simply chasing fees.”

Doftvik commented: “We partnered with the ESR team to launch and scale our new tech hub in Malaga from ground zero. Their service was highly strategic and had a positive impact on the growth of our organisation. Excited to now join them as a NED to contribute towards elevating their business”. 

ESR Group, which was founded in  2023 by Imeson and co-founder Helena Scone, helps iGaming, fintech and tech startups and scale-ups to grow intelligently and sustainably by sourcing talent that fits with businesses culturally and strategically. 

About ESR Group

ESR Group's mission is to help businesses hire with clarity, grow with purpose, and retain top-tier talent that truly delivers value. The firm acts as an extension of client leadership to solve the complex people challenges of scaling. By pairing sharp recruitment strategies with holistic HR expertise, ESR Group enables businesses to hire with clarity and retain with intent, building the foundations that allow their operations and people to thrive.