The Board of Directors of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has appointed Cedric Pietersz as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Pietersz will take on his new role from February 1, 2024.

As CEO, Pietersz will be tasked with overseeing all current licensing activities taking place under current law, the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH).

In his new role, he will also oversee Curaçao’s transition to the National Gambling Regulation (LOC).

Cedric Pietersz, CEO, Curacao GAMING CONTROL BOARD

Previously, Pietersz held various positions at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten for over 20 years. His tasks ranged from supervision to management. During his tenure, Pietersz gained operational, anti-money laundering and regulatory experience.

Pietersz said he is ready to lead Curaçao’s gambling market into a new phase.

“It is an honor to join the Gaming Control Board at such a dynamic time,” said Pietersz. “I am confident that together with the team and the Board of Directors we will strategically lead the GCB into a new era while creating added value for all stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance.”

Fons Simon, chairman of the GCB supervisory board, said Pietersz’s appointment marked a new era for the jurisdiction.

“The GCB is at a crucial turning point and Cedric’s appointment marks the beginning of an era of change,” said Simon. “With a proven track record of exceptional performance in the financial sector, he brings a unique blend of strategic foresight, regulatory prudence and operational excellence.”

False reporting on LOK

The announcement of Pietersz as CEO comes after a week of false speculation about Curaçao’s LOK. Although reports emerged that the LOC had been rejected by Curaçao’s parliament, these were incorrect.

The LOC was sent to Parliament last month. Like every bill in Curaçao, it was sent to the Advisory Council.

On 3 January 2024, the Council’s response to the Treasury on the LOK was published online. This was first received by the ministry in June 2023 and contained language suggesting that the law could not be referred to Parliament. This was believed to have fueled rumors that the LOK had been sacked.

In response, Javier Silvania, Curaçao’s finance minister, released a statement criticizing the “misinformation.”