Mastering the Fast Lane of iGaming: A KAM’s Perspective
Maria Pesonen
Key Account Manager
Adaptability is everything in iGaming — the ability to pivot quickly is what keeps clients happy and projects on track.
Personal Journey at Finnplay
I’ve always been curious about the IT industry, so when I saw the opportunity to join Finnplay, I thought it was the perfect chance to dive in. What I didn’t expect was just how interesting and fast-paced the iGaming world would be — there’s never a dull moment, and coming from outside the field, there was a lot to learn.
At first, the industry felt like a whole new language — I was Googling acronyms daily to learn the ins and outs! But with the right mindset and curiosity, I quickly found my footing and knew that no challenge is too big to tackle.
The complexity of iGaming still confuses my friends and family. They ask, "Isn’t it just about playing games?" but there’s so much more behind the scenes, especially as I work with clients in multiple different regulated markets.
Life at Finnplay
As a Key Account Manager, I manage client relationships, strategies, and collaborate with teams. The key lesson at Finnplay has been adaptability — clients needs can change quickly, and being able to pivot is essential. I also attend industry events and tradeshows, which are a great opportunity to build connections.
What I enjoy most is collaborating with driven people and seeing how our work helps clients grow is rewarding and motivating. Every project brings new challenges, and solving them is what keeps me engaged and looking forward to the next one.
A funny moment at a tradeshow: a former Finnplay employee came to me and told he knew my husband. I was confused until I realized they meant Teemu Pesonen, a colleague at Finnplay. Despite sharing the last name, we’re not related, but if I had a free spin for every time someone asked, I’d win a jackpot!
Beyond Work
Work-life balance is important to me, and outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog or catching up with friends and family. Traveling is a big passion of mine, and I love exploring new places, cuisines and different cultures.
On quieter days, I unwind by relaxing at home, reading books, or diving into a video game. My favourite genre? FPS or horror games. There’s nothing like an adrenaline rush from outsmarting zombies or going head-to-head in an FPS! It’s all about finding the right balance between staying active, having new experiences, and recharging.