Interblock Gaming Appoints Marco Balliano as New COO and President EMEA

Interblock Gaming, a leader in the electronic table game (ETG) sector, continues its executive restructuring by appointing Marco Balliano as Chief Operating Officer and President for the EMEA region. Bringing a wealth of experience from the durable goods industry, Balliano officially assumed his duties on September 1, 2026. His primary objective is to integrate manufacturing planning, quality assurance, and global service operations to enhance the company's market position and customer experience.

The appointment of Balliano is a key component of Interblock’s broader C-suite reorganization. This phase of leadership evolution began earlier this year following the departure of John Connelly in February. It gained momentum with the naming of Kay Oswald as CEO in July and Kristin Bisignano as Chief People and Culture Officer in August. Balliano’s background, spanning over 30 years in high-volume manufacturing and multi-country service networks, is expected to bring increased discipline and accountability to the organization.

Numbers and facts

Balliano joins Interblock from Haier Europe Group, where he served as General Manager of the Food Preparation and Built-In Business Unit. His tenure there was marked by leading five-year strategic plans and managing major integrations, such as the acquisition of Elba. While Balliano will be based at Interblock’s facility in Mengeš, Slovenia, his role is inherently global. He is expected to divide his time between operations in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. His first major public appearance for the brand will be at the G2E industry event in Las Vegas, starting September 22.

The company’s strategy revolves around unifying production and service under one leader to streamline response times for casino operators. This focuses on critical areas such as lead times for equipment and the responsiveness of spare parts and service support.

"Our products have always won on the floor, and our customers tell us that the experience around them matters just as much — lead times, spares, service response. We want that experience to be every bit as strong as the product itself. Marco joins us to help carry that standard through every part of what we do." - Kay Oswald, CEO of Interblock

Background

Marco Balliano is highly regarded for his operational expertise, having previously held senior roles at Candy Group and Whirlpool Europe. These positions required managing large-scale manufacturing and service systems across various borders, a skill set that directly translates to Interblock's global engineering needs. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University and has furthered his education through executive programs at INSEAD and the University of Michigan.

For Interblock, this hire represents a bridge between high-level manufacturing standards and the specific demands of the gaming industry. Balliano highlighted the company's strong foundation as a key motivator for his transition.

"What struck me about Interblock is the pride the teams take in the product and how close they are to their customers. That's a strong foundation and we'll build on it together, continuing on the path this company has set and raising the standard as we grow." - Marco Balliano, COO of Interblock

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany who utilize electronic roulette or blackjack terminals in land-based casinos or through state-licensed online platforms, this leadership change signals a commitment to quality and technical stability. Interblock products are staple fixtures in German gaming halls. When a manufacturer improves its internal quality control and service responsiveness, it directly results in less downtime for the gaming machines available to the public. Under the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), technical reliability is crucial for player protection.

Certified machines must adhere to strict regulations to prevent manipulation and ensure fair play. With the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) monitoring the market, reliable partners like Interblock are essential for a functioning legal environment. While the player experience remains governed by the 1 Euro per spin limit (for slots) and the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit managed by the LUGAS system, the underlying technology provided by firms like Interblock ensures that the legal market remains competitive and safe.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos operating under a GGL license are increasingly adopting hybrid solutions that blend live table elements with electronic automation. Improved supply chain management and faster service, as proposed under Balliano’s leadership, allow German operators to better plan their floor layouts and investments. In a highly regulated market where legal compliance is non-negotiable, having a hardware provider that prioritizes service accountability is a significant advantage. This move reinforces Interblock’s position as a preferred partner for licensed operators who choose to distance themselves from unregulated offshore markets.