The Australian casino industry has been saddened by the death of the much-respected Hans Zeidler, who unexpectedly passed at his home in Sydney on July 31, aged 73.
Zeidler served as COO for Ainsworth Gaming at the height of his career, which had spanned roles as CEO (ZenGT Consulting) and as a business owner.
A German by birth, but naturalised Australian when he moved there as a young child with his parents, Zeidler became involved in a number of businesses involved with the technology industry in Australia and internationally.
His gaming industry experience included CEO of Play 24 Entertainment, a rewards card systems provider, and then with Octavian International as COO and group managing director, from 2006-2008, Stargames as a consultant, Ainsworth as COO from 2002-2005 and Mikohn Gaming Australasia as CEO from 1996 to 2002.
He leaves a large family, including three children, Darren, Rebecca and Erich from his first marriage, and two with his long-time and devoted partner Suzanne Clark, Jessica and Tristan, plus six grandchildren.
His friend and colleague from his Ainsworth days, Georg Steiner, told us: “I am devastated - as I know Suzanne and his family are - from Hans’ very sudden passing.
"It is a terrible loss for us all and for me personally as Hans was my mentor and supporter when I started with Ainsworth looking after its European interests in 2003.
“He was one of the most charming, happiest and dear friend, not just to his partner and family, plus myself, but to many in the industry who knew and respected him.”
Funeral details are not known at the time of writing.
