Gaming machine specialists The Global Draw and Games Media, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Scientific Games Corporation [Nasdaq: SGMS], are strengthening their content development division with the appointment of a new group development director.

Rick Mountney, formerly head of content for The Global Draw, will oversee all content development across the group’s core UK gaming markets as well as The Global Draw’s continued expansion into emerging international gaming markets including South America and the Caribbean.

Ian Timmis, chief executive of The Global Draw and Games Media, said: “Both businesses have built first class reputations in the development of innovative and engaging content for their domestic and international customers alike.

“As we continue to increase our customer base in existing markets and expand into new gaming markets, we feel the time is right to strengthen our content delivery by creating a newly structured and expanded development team which will complement existing and future partnerships with major content providers.

“We have demonstrated in the past how combining skills and knowledge from each side of our business can deliver more effective content solutions for customers and this collaborative approach very much represents the way forward.

“Rick is perfectly placed to drive our content development programme having gained considerable experience in the creation, procurement, development and deployment of new gaming material during his previous role with The Global Draw. We are delighted to announce his appointment and trust customers will value this clear investment the group is making in improving our content delivery.”

Rick Mountney joined The Global Draw in June 2008 from William Hill, where he held the role of product development manager. Prior to that he held senior development roles at IGT’s Barcrest division for more than 15 years.

His appointment coincides with the announcement that Games Media development director Steve Murray is leaving the company to pursue a lifelong passion and opportunity outside the gaming industry.

Commenting on his departure, Games Media managing director Andrew Ludlow said: “As two of the founder members of Games Media, Steve and I have enjoyed a fabulous relationship and we are proud of the achievements of the business over the last seven years. He has decided to take on a fresh challenge away from the sphere of machine gaming and I am absolutely delighted for him.”

The Global Draw and Games Media specialise in the provision of server based gaming and entertainment solutions.