We sat down with Milena Tsankarska, a veteran in the iGaming realm and had a very knowledgeable interview regarding her impressive career and journey in the industry, her current job position as Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at the leading ZettaOnline, her views of the future, and much more!
Keep reading and see what it takes to be a top-tier Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, how to make it in the industry, and learn about the way of work of ZettaOnline.
Hello Milena, let us start this interview by saying that it is a pleasure to have you as our guest, your reputation in the gaming world precedes you.
Thank you for the kind words. It’s probably normal to be a good professional when you’ve worked in the gaming industry for so many years and to perceive your job not as a compulsory thing but as a source of joy and perspective.
Milena, your resume in iGaming is quite impressive and extensive, as you occupied various upper-management positions at some of the leading companies. What inspired you to enter the realm of iGaming? How did it all begin?
My professional journey in the iGaming industry began in 2008 when I joined BEGE Expo, the leading organizer of the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo and the Eastern European Gaming Summit. The gaming industry fascinated me because it combined technological innovation with entertainment. From the start, I recognized the sector’s future potential for innovation, driven by rapid technological advancements. This initial intrigue led me to explore the industry further, taking on various roles that allowed me to merge my interests in technology, business, and entertainment.
You worked as the Chief Commercial Officer at one of the biggest software providers in the industry, CT Interactive. What were some of the biggest challenges during your tenure as the CCO of the company? What did you love most about your job as CCO?
Working in the highly competitive iGaming market is a significant challenge, but it also motivates me toward self-improvement and competitiveness. I have always focused on developing innovative products that comply with various regulatory requirements, which is crucial for CT Interactive and its services. What I enjoy most about the office is the positive team atmosphere and the talented people I collaborate with to create impactful solutions. This drives both the company’s growth and customer satisfaction.
Opposite to this, you also worked as a Strategic Advisor at the Responsible Gambling Foundation, a reputable responsible gambling advocate, thus gaining priceless insight into both verticals of the industry. How did your prior knowledge from being the CCO at CT Interactive help you as the Strategic Advisor when working for the Responsible Gambling Foundation?
My experience at CT Interactive provided me with deep insights into the operational and strategic aspects of the gaming industry. This knowledge was invaluable when advising on responsible gambling policies. Understanding the business’s challenges and the importance of ethical practices helped me advocate for balanced approaches that benefit both the industry and its consumers.
Milena, you were also a Strategic Advisor and Brand Ambassador at BEGE, a leading iGaming event organizer that hosts some of the biggest events in the Balkans. How does one become a brand ambassador for such an esteemed brand? What were some of your responsibilities as a brand representative?
As the Strategic Advisor at the Balkan Entertainment and Gambling Expo (BEGE) and the Responsible Gaming Foundation, I am deeply committed to advocating and promoting ethical gaming policies and practices within the industry. I passionately champion the value of BEGE products and services, collaborating with key stakeholders to spearhead impactful projects that enhance public awareness and advance responsible gaming initiatives. My responsibilities included promoting the event, engaging with key stakeholders, and helping shape the event’s strategic direction to ensure it remained relevant and impactful.
ZettaOnline already enjoys a reputation as a tech services provider with clients from all corners of the globe. What separates ZettaOnline from its competitors? How did you manage to establish such a global network of clients?
First, it is all about the product! We are distinguished by our commitment to innovation, personal customer approach, and versatile range of services tailored to meet diverse client needs. That helped us establish a global network of clients. Finally are the strategic partnerships, exceptional service delivery, and consistent engagement with industry trends and client feedback.
You are currently working at Zetta Online as the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of the company. What services does Zetta specialize in? What are some of the most sought-after products that your clients are most interested in?
ZettaOnline is a leader in providing services in the fields of software development, technical compliance and managed IT services for regulated institutions, auditing and certification according to PCI-DSS and ISO27001 and ISO/IEC20000-1 standards. We also offer cloud and hosting solutions and managed DevOps services for customers in Europe, North America and Africa with 24/7 support. The clients are most interested in cyber security, server and system administration, technical compliance, and online payments.
Zetta provides its services to a wide range of companies from various industries. What type of companies are mostly interested in your services? What do you find is the most effective way to negotiate sales and sell your products?
We do not merge the companies by their range. Every client is important to us, from startups to large enterprises across fintech, e-commerce, the banking sector and, of course, gaming. The most effective way to negotiate sales is by understanding the client’s specific needs and challenges and then demonstrating how our solutions can provide additional value and solve their problems.
One of the latest technological developments on a global level is the use of artificial intelligence. What is your personal opinion on AI? Do you think that there is a place for AI in Zetta?
I believe AI holds immense potential for transforming various aspects of business and daily life. At ZettaOnline, we are exploring AI-driven solutions to enhance our service offerings, improve operational efficiencies, and provide deeper insights for our clients. AI is certainly a key area of focus for our future growth.
What is something that you learned with experience, that you wish to have known when you first embarked on your professional journey? Is there anything that you would change or tell your younger self when you first started out?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of balancing ambition with patience. When I was young, I was eager to achieve my professional and personal goals quickly, no matter the effort. But after so many years of experience, I realize that you must focus on the quality of the result compared to the time you’ve spent achieving it.
We would love to end this interview on a more personal note. Tell us a bit about yourself, Milena. What would you do if you weren’t a successful CCM? Are there any hobbies or interests that you would like to share?
Outside of my career as a CCM, I have a deep passion for football, especially for Levski Football Club, which is the most famous club in Bulgaria. I am also a big fan of sports and I also like to go hiking and have fun with friends. I also like very much to travel and explore new places and countries.
