In the continuation of our celebration of the Most Influential Women of 2024, we spotlight three distinct women who are ardent advocates for gender diversity in the gaming industry. Each has made it their mission to challenge and transform existing norms. Here are the next four honorees from our list:
### Rebecca McAdam Willetts ###
**Founder of QueenBHive**
Rebecca McAdam Willetts’ career is a testament to transformation and advocacy, passionately fostering a more inclusive atmosphere in the gaming sector. Her career began with a deep passion for poker and a talent for storytelling. “Transitioning from a player and enthusiast to a media role was an ideal way to advise companies on authentic and transparent communication,” she explains.
A critical moment in her journey was a negative experience at a poker table, prompting her to question the sport’s inclusivity. “Had I been a newcomer, that incident might have discouraged me from returning,” she recalls. This realization ignited her mission to make poker, and gaming in general, more welcoming to women.
During her first pregnancy, she recognized the need for improved maternity and paternity policies within the industry. “There were no facilities for pregnant women, no nursing rooms,” she recounts from her tenure at The Stars Group, the former PokerStars owner. She took action, driving changes to ensure women were portrayed as competitors rather than mere spectators, advocating for working mothers and better representation of women within the company.
### Adapting During Covid-19 ###
The pandemic was a period of significant change for her career, as McAdam Willetts demonstrated leadership while the online poker scene flourished. She embraced the challenges with a sense of responsibility and innovation. “We had to communicate carefully and responsibly, but it was also an opportunity to create engaging initiatives, like charitable events involving celebrities,” she shares. Her efforts highlighted the value of creatively stepping beyond traditional boundaries.
As the founder of QueenBHive, a poker public relations firm, she continues to advocate for women in gaming. “I’m a strong believer in sisterhood and supporting one another. Initiatives like this offer visibility and pave the way for change,” she states.
### Kirsty Caldwell ###
**Founder and CEO of Betsmart Consulting**
Kirsty Caldwell was pleasantly surprised to learn she had been named among the Most Influential Women. “This recognition is unexpected and gratifying,” she says. “I’m typically not one to nominate myself for such honors, but leading my business has encouraged me to step forward.”
In just five years, Caldwell has risen as a prominent figure in compliance, earning a reputation as an influential voice. She was the most-nominated candidate in this year’s list, expressing amazement at the honor. Awards like these, she believes, are vital for acknowledging the challenging yet crucial work compliance experts do daily, and they have significantly contributed to improving gender parity in gaming.
“When I started, the industry was predominantly male, but recent statistics show a more balanced gender representation—campaigns like these have helped address the historical disparity,” she explains. Caldwell has contributed by promoting higher industry standards and increasing awareness about compliance issues globally.
### Joining the GC’s Industry Forum ###
Caldwell recently earned a spot on the UK’s Gambling Commission’s new Industry Forum, a platform she finds crucial to address industry challenges. “I didn’t expect to be appointed, but I’m thrilled. This will play a significant role in the industry,” she says. Her role aims to leverage the forum to further educate on the complexities facing operators, aspiring to see more women recognized in senior compliance positions.
“As a consultant, you balance client satisfaction with maintaining regulatory compliance. Acknowledgment for those who handle these roles is essential,” Caldwell asserts.
### Sarah Robertson ###
**Chief Commercial Officer at Kambi**
Sarah Robertson shares that sales have long been male-dominated, a reality evident when she entered the field in 2011. “It’s important to recognize our industry’s progress,” she reflects. “When I started in gaming, very few women were present, far fewer than today.”
Now part of Kambi’s senior leadership, she prides herself on advancing through the commercial ranks and negotiating some of the company’s most significant deals. She emphasizes the importance of diversity for departmental success, with Kambi championing this cause.
“Diversity in leadership brings more talent, whether women or wider diversity. Kambi focuses on ensuring the right people are hired while attracting diverse talent,” she concludes.
### Kathleen McLaughlin ###
**Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Sales, North America, Novomatic**
Kathleen McLaughlin’s gaming career, beginning in the 1990s, spans diverse roles and geographies, including key positions on Las Vegas casino floors and resort openings in Macau. McLaughlin recalls the transformative opportunities gaming presented amid personal milestones. “I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing companies and people. It’s delightful to see former colleagues grow into executives and maintain our friendship.”
Her work in Asia was a career highlight, taking on an executive role when female leaders were rare. “I was possibly the only woman executive there, overseeing a groundbreaking property launch,” she recounts.
### Shocked and Thankful ###
The news of her recognition as one of this year’s Most Influential Women was both surprising and deeply appreciated. “Being a female director was rare throughout my career, and seeing others succeed is thrilling,” she affirms. Her current role at Novomatic continues to excite her with new challenges.
“I firmly believe gaming allows one to achieve any ambition, backed by tenacity, courage, experience, and support,” McLaughlin says, underscoring her admiration for fellow women breaking barriers.
*This week, iGB reveals the full list of the 10 Most Influential Women in gaming for 2024. [Part one](https://igamingbusiness.com/people/most-influential-women-2024-winners/) features Grainne Hurst, Purity Wahiu, and Erica Okerberg. Visit [here](https://igamingbusiness.com/people/most-influential-women-24-judges-1/) and [here](https://igamingbusiness.com/people/most-influential-women-24-judges-2/) for details on the judging panel.*