In August 2009, Drago Podobnik returned to Slovenian casino operator Hit Group, the company with which his career in gaming began, charged with the task of steering it back to profitability. Leading the company's management board over the past two years, Podobnik has implemented a programme of reorganisation that has not been without its difficulties.
“We received the company in bad shape and in a very critical condition,” he candidly tells InterGaming.
As you'd expect of a man who holds a PhD in economics, Podobnik speaks of the “macroeconomic circumstances” that have impacted Hit Group in recent years, both directly and indirectly. Italy's struggle to kick-start its economy after the recession, for example, continues to impact a business that relies heavily on Italian tourists. Consequently, its target market has been noticeably shrinking for some time yet the previous management appeared slow to respond.
“In these two years, we have managed to take the company on its path of recovery and significantly improve its operation with the implementation of a strenuous reorganisation plan,” says Podobnik. “Despite the threats, which we face every day, it seems that we will be able to shorten the three-year reorganisation plan to one year and to operate with profit this year.”
This is the result of the tough decisions, such as cutting jobs, that have had to be taken in order to “contain” the fall in turnover from the company's gaming and hotel properties. Turnover is now at a similar level, despite the weakening market. “Now we can say that the Hit company is again among the most successful Slovenian companies but, at the same time, we are very well aware that we have to respond as soon as possible to the challenges from competitors.”
Evidently Podobnik is the right man to lead the business. Few know the business as well. Having joined the company in the early 1990s, he started out as the surveillance manager at the Park Casino, before becoming its director. This was followed by a role as director of the Perla Casino, as well as at the same time taking on the responsibilities of deputy casino manager. In 1998 he was named project manager. Four years later, he left to join the management of Princess Casinos International, working as an advisor and project manager for Europe. His return to Hit in 2009 came at a crucial time and, having steadied the ship, things are once again heading in the right direction.
This feature can be found in full in the November 2011 issue of InterGaming magazine.
