Ex-KaFe Rocks CEO launches consultancy firm and igaming recruitment JV

Former KaFe Rocks CEO Simon Pilkington has launched his own consultancy firm SMPL Consulting.

Pilkington, who stepped down from KaFe Rocks on 31 December after almost three years as CEO, has launched his new project with a focus across both the B2B and B2C sides of the industry.

SMPL Consulting has also entered into a joint venture with recruitment specialist Wander to launch an industry-specific talent acquisition vehicle.

The two companies will combine Pilkington’s igaming knowledge and network and Wander’s end-to-end recruitment process, with a key focus on mid, senior and exec-level opportunities.

The venture will also include charitable profit sharing, with funds being directed to problem gambling and environmental causes.

Wander was founded in 2019 by Ricky Wilkes.

Touching on the partnership, Pilkington said: “I’m thrilled to be able to introduce and facilitate Wander’s entry into the igaming industry.

“Igaming recruitment, like many industries, has been in status quo for too long at a time when the world has changed dramatically – there’s a huge space for fairer, partner-led and ethic-led recruitment where all parties can win. Wander is that solution,” he added.

Wilkes commented: “In a recruitment landscape driven by algorithms and automation, it’s easy to forget the impact of a deliberate, considered and thoughtful approach, where taking the time to understand individuals and build genuine connections leads to remarkable results.

“I am so excited to be working with Simon and looking forward to all the new partnerships we hope to make in this sector.”