Steve Sutherland Receives AGEM Jens Halle Memorial Award

In a testament to his remarkable influence and commitment to the gaming industry, Steve Sutherland, President and CEO of Konami Gaming, received the esteemed Jens Halle Memorial Award for “Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism” from the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. This accolade highlights Sutherland’s extensive contributions, dedication, and leadership spanning over three decades within the gaming supplier sector.

Held annually, the Jens Halle Memorial Award honors those who exemplify the dedication and professionalism that Jens Halle brought to the industry throughout his career until his unexpected passing in 2015. Steve Sutherland becomes the ninth recipient of this esteemed award, recognizing his impact on both his company and the broader gaming community.

Steve Sutherland’s recognition is not just for his executive acumen but also for his profound human touch in business engagements and his continuous efforts to uphold industry health. Bob Parente, chair of the board at AGEM, remarked on Steve’s exceptional ability to lead and operate businesses at high levels. He praised Sutherland for bringing valuable technology industry knowledge into gaming, thus mentoring future leaders and contributing to a global industry impact.

With a career nearing 25 years at Konami Gaming, including seven years at the helm as President and CEO, Sutherland’s leadership has been pivotal. His approach to steering industry partnerships and inspiring his team has enriched the organization immensely. Echoing these sentiments, Tom Jingoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Konami Gaming Inc., underlined Steve’s role as a consistent positive force and a guiding light for many in the industry.

Alongside Sutherland’s honor, the awards also recognized Lori Nelson-Kraft with the Peter Mead Memorial Award for “Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications,” underscoring a celebration of excellence across varied dimensions of the gaming sector at the AGEM event.

The Jens Halle Memorial Award and its presentation at such a prominent global event like G2E reflect the ongoing efforts and achievements of individuals who continue to nurture the gaming world with passion and vision. As Steve Sutherland paves the way for future industry advancements and professionalism, his accolade serves as an apt testament to a career dedicated to enhancing gaming experiences around the world.