Ruf will be responsible for securing and growing Merkur’s operations in existing regions, as well as driving new acquisitions in the international market.
She will replace Stefan Bruns, who will now take on a new position representing the sports betting and online gaming business segment on the Gauselmann board.
Ruf has been working for group for over 15 years, serving in roles within Merkur Casino such as head of business development, head of business development and operations manager, and special task operations manager.
She took on her most recent role as executive operations director international in June 2020.
“I am looking forward to developing new geographical markets and implementing exciting projects together with my team,” Ruf said. “One particular focus will be on developing the online markets.”
“Our goal is to maintain Merkur Casino International’s strong position and to confidently rise to the ever-growing demands.”
Dieter Kuhlmann, who is responsible for gaming operations on the Gauselmann board, added: “We are delighted that in Irina Ruf we have been able to win a new managing director with extensive expertise and experience in particular in international operations.
“Based on her wide-ranging career path to date, Ms Ruf brings to the job all the prerequisites to successfully continue and expand Merkur Casino’s international business activities.”