Maris Catania commences consultancy journey with launch of Integrity Analytics

Maris Catania on Thursday shared that she has started working as Responsible Gaming Consultant and Researcher at Integrity Analytics, a consultancy firm she has launched with a former colleague.

This comes after she announced her departure from Kindred Group in December following 13 years at the iGaming company, during which time she served in various roles, including Head of Responsible Gaming and Research, and also Head of Player Sustainability Research and Integrity. Ms Catania had revealed that she wanted to expand her knowledge to other areas while still helping others through responsible gaming research and other initiatives.

She remarked that since she embarked on the journey, she has endured “one of the busiest periods” in her career. “Quite a number of organisations reached out, and for that I am truly grateful,” she said.

“Along the years, I have worked with several inspiring individuals, and most would agree that I can be a nerd, focus on details, and most of all annoying. One person has been crucial in many of the projects I have been involved in and has been patiently supporting some of my madness: Karim Chikh,” Ms Catania explained.

The pair were colleagues at Kindred Group for a number of years, as Mr Chikh worked at the company for more than nine years, including as Head of LeCo Analytics and Data Analytics Team Leader. He is a seasoned data professional with more than a decade of experience delivering innovative and impactful data products.

She announced that they have “joined forces” to launch Integrity Analytics, which she describes as a “one-stop-shop for consultancy needs on data, research, fraud prevention, and of course, responsible gaming”.

Mr Chikh shared that he is “looking forward” to partnering with her on this “new chapter”.

Esther Scheepers, who succeeded Ms Catania as Head of Responsible Gambling at Kindred Group, said that it is “very exciting” to see “such great minds joining forces”. “I am ever so grateful to have you both as mentors,” she added.

Integrity Analytics utilises Ms Catania and Mr Chikh’s extensive experience to provide “valuable insights and practical solutions” to drive “real results” for its clients, whether they are operators, regulators, or B2B providers.

Ms Catania holds a Master of Science in Occupational Psychology from University of Leicester, Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) from University of Malta, and a Diploma in Gambling Addiction Counselling from Systematic Training and Trading Limited. She is also completing her PhD with a focus on analysing early signs of online problem gambling, responsible gaming tools, and responsible gaming promotion.