Holland Casino appoints aviation veteran Petra de Ruiter as CEO

Holland Casino has announced its appointment of Petra de Ruiter as CEO, replacing Erwin van Lambaart, who is departing to take a role as CEO of Casinos Austria.

She will take the helm in September, pending necessary regulatory checks.

Holland Casino is a Dutch state-owned operator with a legal monopoly on retail gambling in the country and one of several licensed online gambling brands.

Ms de Ruiter joins from low-cost Dutch airline Transavia, where she currently serves as COO. She has worked in the aviation sector for the vast majority of her career, filling various positions at Transavia and its parent company, Air France-KLM.

In her current Transavia position, she is responsible for the airline’s day-to-day operations, as well as various safety-related obligations.

On her move between industries, she emphasised the importance of hospitality to Holland Casino, stating that this value is also vital in her previous roles.

“Whether online or offline, very guest simply wants to feel seen, heard and value,” she added.

Her appointment was welcomed by Willen Bröcker, chairman of Holland Casino’s Supervisory Board, who praised her experience and knowledge, calling them an excellent match for the operator.

“With our 14 offices and online offering, we work in a highly regulated sector,” he said, passing on the board’s confidence in Ms de Ruiter’s abilities to deliver on the firm’s priorities.