Matthew Charlesworth Returns to Imagine Live as CDO

Matthew Charlesworth, who previously served as the global CEO of Imagine Live, has rejoined the company in a newly appointed strategic role. He now assumes the position of Chief Development Officer (CDO), signaling a strategic move for both the executive and the live casino brand. This development follows Charlesworth’s earlier departure from the CEO role in January 2025, when he was succeeded by Martin Martirosyan.

Transition from CEO to chief development officer

Charlesworth’s decision to step down from his leadership post earlier in the year stemmed from personal and logistical challenges. In a recent post shared via LinkedIn, he explained that balancing an intense schedule — alternating three weeks on-site with three weeks working remotely — had become increasingly difficult to manage. Despite these challenges, Charlesworth maintained communication with Martirosyan and remained connected to the company’s trajectory.

Rather than stepping away entirely from Imagine Live, his return as CDO allows him to focus on what he describes as “the product I love and believe in, as well as the people I love working with.” The CDO role offers him a more targeted scope of responsibility, centering on product development and innovation rather than the broader, and more demanding, duties of overseeing daily corporate operations.

Imagine Live's rapid growth under new leadership

Imagine Live has seen impressive expansion since Martin Martirosyan took over the reins as its leader. The company now boasts more than 100 live casino tables and employs over 1,000 staff members globally. A cornerstone of its current expansion strategy is the establishment of a new live casino studio in Bucharest, Romania — a move that underscores its ambition to secure a greater share of the competitive European gaming market.

Martirosyan’s tenure has been characterized by aggressive strategic planning and rapid scaling of operations. While this pace of growth is promising for the company’s future, it also presents considerable operational complexities — factors that may have contributed to Charlesworth’s desire to pivot toward a role that focuses solely on development rather than executive management.

A career steeped in gaming expertise

Matthew Charlesworth brings more than two decades of gaming industry experience to his new role. His professional background includes high-level positions at major operators such as Paddy Power Betfair, where he served as live casino manager, and Entain, where he held the position of head of live casino. This extensive experience positions him uniquely to lead development initiatives at Imagine Live, especially as the company navigates new technologies and market expansion.

His reputation for innovation in live gaming and operational excellence has been well established. Colleagues and industry insiders have long recognized him for his commitment to enhancing user experience and his strategic insight into emerging trends in online gambling.

Focused leadership in a specialized role

In his new role as CDO, Charlesworth can shape the product strategy of Imagine Live while avoiding the broader, more politically charged responsibilities that come with being a CEO. This shift reflects a broader trend within executive circles, where seasoned leaders are increasingly choosing to specialize in areas where they can have the most impact.

In his own words, Charlesworth noted that this role “brings me back full-time to the product I love,” allowing him to return to the aspects of the business that initially attracted him to the industry. He acknowledged that this change would still involve significant travel — “just a few more airport lounges,” as he described it — but emphasized his excitement about reengaging with industry peers, partners, and collaborators in the months ahead.

The future of Imagine Live

With a new studio launch in Bucharest on the horizon and its current operations growing at an impressive pace, Imagine Live is clearly positioning itself as a major player in the live casino space. The return of Charlesworth, a familiar and experienced figure, is expected to further bolster the company's innovative edge and product development strategy.

As the online gaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, especially within Europe, Imagine Live's focus on technology, immersive gaming experiences, and operational scale will be critical. The company has already demonstrated its capacity to grow rapidly while maintaining quality — and the appointment of a development-focused executive like Charlesworth may ensure that its product offerings continue to evolve in line with market demands and customer expectations.

Reinventing leadership structures in fast-growth gaming firms

Charlesworth’s move also reflects broader shifts in corporate leadership structures across the gaming sector. As gaming companies grow more complex and globalized, the traditional one-size-fits-all CEO role is becoming less effective. Instead, companies are creating more segmented leadership teams, where responsibilities are distributed among C-level executives with highly specialized mandates. This structure allows for greater agility and innovation, especially in product-driven businesses like live casino gaming.

This evolution could serve as a blueprint for other gaming companies navigating similar expansion trajectories. By distributing leadership responsibilities and allowing key talent to focus on core competencies, firms may better position themselves for sustainable long-term growth.

A personal and professional return

Beyond the strategic implications for Imagine Live, Charlesworth’s return is also a personal one. His comments reveal a deep affection for both the product and the people within the organization. It’s a sentiment not always present in high-level corporate transitions, which are often motivated purely by financial or strategic calculations.

His openness about the difficulties of his previous schedule and his desire to focus on what truly motivates him — product innovation and collaboration — humanizes what might otherwise be viewed as a routine executive shuffle. It’s a reminder that corporate leadership is not only about titles and strategy, but also about passion, alignment, and personal well-being.

Industry reactions and expectations

The gaming industry has responded positively to the announcement of Charlesworth’s return, with many professionals expressing support and enthusiasm across social media platforms and industry forums. His track record and insider knowledge are expected to contribute significantly to Imagine Live’s trajectory.

Observers also note that the timing is fortuitous. With regulatory landscapes shifting, player expectations evolving, and competition intensifying, having someone with Charlesworth’s insight and hands-on experience could prove invaluable in steering Imagine Live through its next phase.

Conclusion

Matthew Charlesworth’s return to Imagine Live as chief development officer marks a strategic and personal milestone—for both the executive and the company. With his deep industry expertise and passion for product innovation, he is well-positioned to support Imagine Live’s continued growth and evolving vision. As the company expands its global footprint and strengthens its live casino offerings, Charlesworth’s focused leadership is expected to play a vital role in shaping its next chapter.

FAQs

Who is Matthew Charlesworth?
Matthew Charlesworth is a seasoned gaming industry executive with over 20 years of experience. He recently returned to Imagine Live as chief development officer after previously serving as the company's global CEO.

Why did Charlesworth step down as CEO of Imagine Live?
He stepped down due to challenges balancing a demanding schedule split between on-site and remote work. He chose to focus on a more specialized role within the company.

What is Charlesworth’s new role at Imagine Live?
He now serves as chief development officer, a position that allows him to focus on product innovation and development without managing day-to-day operations.

Who succeeded Charlesworth as CEO?
Martin Martirosyan took over as CEO of Imagine Live in January 2025 and has since led the company through a phase of rapid growth and expansion.

What changes has Martirosyan implemented at Imagine Live?
Under his leadership, the company has expanded to over 100 gaming tables, employed more than 1,000 staff, and is preparing to open a new studio in Bucharest.

What is the significance of the new studio in Bucharest?
The Bucharest studio is a key part of Imagine Live’s European expansion and reflects the company's commitment to scaling its live casino operations.

What companies has Charlesworth worked for in the past?
He has held key positions at Paddy Power Betfair as live casino manager and at Entain as head of live casino.

Why is Charlesworth’s return considered strategic?
His experience and product-focused expertise are expected to help Imagine Live innovate and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving iGaming market.

What does a chief development officer do in a casino company?
A CDO typically focuses on product development, innovation, and strategic growth initiatives, especially in areas like user experience and technological advancement.

How has the gaming industry responded to Charlesworth’s return?
Industry professionals have welcomed his return, recognizing his deep knowledge, experience, and potential to drive product innovation at Imagine Live.