PIONEERING INNOVATION
“ I learned early in my career that being resourceful and creative — necessary parts of entrepreneurship — are valuable not only as you start a business but as you work within organizations to capitalize on new opportunities .”
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PIONEERING INNOVATION
Andrew Baca • Global Head of Product , Gaming , J . P . Morgan Payments
For Andrew Baca , the path to success is rooted in innovation . From the early stages of his career , Baca has focused on establishing and building new business opportunities as both an entrepreneur and within organizations . He began by founding a digital agency specializing in web and mobile solutions , a venture that laid the foundation for a career built on starting net-new initiatives .
Baca ’ s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found the Rebel Venture Fund at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas , a student-run venture fund designed to support early-stage startups , showcasing his dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the community .
“ I learned early in my career that being resourceful and creative — necessary parts of entrepreneurship — are valuable not only as you start a business but as you work within organizations to capitalize on new opportunities ,” Baca says .
In his current role as the global head of product for gaming at J . P . Morgan Payments , Baca continues to pioneer new ideas leveraging his passion for gaming and his expertise in emerging technology , and cites others within the organization as key collaborators for identifying the opportunity in gaming .
“ I felt I could continue to inspire innovation in gaming but from a different angle — from outside the gaming industry ,” he says . “ I credit Max Neukirchen , co-head of J . P . Morgan Payments , and the entire leadership team , for their vision and for hiring someone from outside the payments and banking industry to drive the business .
“ The role aligns with my passion for building new initiatives , but it is also a way to be hands-on with gaming and emerging technology , and to be supportive of the industry as a whole .”
Working with teams across North America , Europe and Asia , Baca is responsible for product development strategy and commercialization , while supporting the firm ’ s regulatory and compliance teams . His journey , from founding startups to shaping the future of gaming payments , reflects a deepseated commitment to innovation and growth across industries .
Baca ’ s resume also includes his role as the first employee at Las Vegas-based goHUNT . com , a successful e-commerce and data platform for the outdoor industry . He then transitioned to Caesars Entertainment , where he led the creation of Black Fire Innovation , a public-private partnership designed to drive business and technological innovation across the hospitality , gaming and entertainment industries .
“ I learned early in my career that being resourceful and creative — necessary parts of entrepreneurship — are valuable not only as you start a business but as you work within organizations to capitalize on new opportunities .”
The role at Caesars extended beyond innovation , encompassing projects that included in-room technology , physical security , esports , and the evaluation of enterprise technology solutions . His journey in the gaming industry did not stop there ; he later joined StartupNV to launch the 1864 Fund , a Nevada-based seed fund aimed at supporting early-stage companies from Nevada and non-traditional venture communities .
In addition to his professional achievements , Baca is deeply connected to his roots as a generational New Mexican , born in Santa Fe , where he actively participates in historical and Hispanic cultural preservation efforts through various organizations .
His love for the outdoors led him to volunteer with the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort , where he worked on ski patrol with a focus on avalanche control . Baca is also a licensed amateur radio operator , and sits on the board of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn , where he regularly participates in sheep preservation efforts throughout Nevada ’ s wilderness .
Baca credits his diverse range of skills and interests beyond his professional life in business and innovation as part of his ongoing inspiration . “ Diversity is often cited as a contributor to strength — I find this to be true in so many ways ,” he says . “ I often rely upon personal interests and varying professional endeavors to find excitement and inspiration for my career .” — AJ Mason
26 Global Gaming Business NOVEMBER 2024