Juan Pablo Cordoba - CPO & Founding Partner at Neko Games
Juan Pablo Cordoba – CPO & Founding Partner, Neko Games
He is currently CPO and founding partner of Neko Games, a creative studio that is part of the Games Global network, which allows him to distribute his games worldwide. Previously, he held key positions such as Head of Product & CRM at Betsson Latam, Head of Marketing & Business Intelligence LATAM at Gamesys, Marketing Director at SuAposta, and Head of Business Intelligence at Betmotion.
We spoke with Juan Pablo Cordoba to learn a bit more about his current situation, his career, and his more human side in More than a Game!
Professional Journey
What did you dream of being as a child before entering this industry?
I dreamed of being a musician or a footballer, two passions that have always been with me and that still influence the way I think about creativity and teamwork today.
What was your first paid job?
My first formal job was as an analyst at a financial consultancy, collaborating in the analysis of KPIs and control dashboards.
And your first job in the betting/gambling world?
I started as a JP in a land-based casino company, going through all the corporate areas as well as the floor operation. I had the opportunity to work in a “shadow” format alongside floor managers and supervisors, an experience I fell in love with from day one.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
The fusion of art, technology, and entertainment. Each game is a creative challenge that combines storytelling, mathematics, and design to surprise players. It’s an art form that also demands efficiency and results.
What current trends will shape the future of betting in the next 5 years?
Artificial intelligence, both for designing experiences and for preventing gambling addiction and fraud control. Also, the development of immersive and augmented reality experiences, not necessarily because I believe the industry should migrate there, but because these technologies will reshape public preferences and entertainment consumption.
How do you see the relationship between responsible gaming and sustainable market growth?
They go hand in hand. Real and sustainable growth is only possible if the industry protects the player, sets clear limits, and offers safe experiences.
What concerns you most about gambling addiction?
That it not only affects the player but also their family and social environment. At the same time, I am concerned that many official initiatives to address the situation arise from a lack of understanding, proposing bans or limitations that do not solve the root problem and instead affect the regulated business while encouraging irregular or illegal offerings.
What skills do you consider essential for a leader in this industry?
Strategic vision, empathy, and the ability to innovate. And above all, the skill to balance creativity with operational discipline.
What was the toughest decision you made in your career and what did you learn from it?
To become an entrepreneur and focus on our own studio. It was a leap into the unknown, but it taught me that with a talented team, a clear purpose, and resilience, risks turn into great opportunities.
What was the best professional advice you have received?
Two that left a mark on me:
“Surround yourself with people better than you at what they do.”
Advice from Peter Nolan, a great friend and industry leader who is no longer with us: “There is no single leadership style; the true leader knows how to adapt their way of leading to each situation: sometimes democratic, other times firm and direct, depending on what the moment requires.”
If you had to sum up your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
“Creativity with purpose is the true force.”
If you hadn’t worked in this industry, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
I would have liked to dedicate myself to something related to the music business or football, two lifelong passions. Although, realistically, I probably would have ended up in the world of finance.
Quick-Fire Round
A book you would recommend?
Buyology, by Martin Lindstrom, and Alignment, by Kaplan and Norton
A movie that made an impact on you?
The Godfather
A favorite food?
Argentinian barbecue
A place in the world to live?
Buenos Aires
An unfulfilled dream?
To be an executive at my club, Vélez Sarsfield
A hobby or passion outside of work?
Football and music
Coffee or tea?
Neither
Remote work or office?
Hybrid, with a focus on flexibility
Casino or sports betting?
Casino
Messi or Cristiano?
Messi
Sweet or savory?
Savory
Netflix or Disney+?
Disney+
Early riser or night owl?
Night owl
Beach or mountains?
Beach
Paper book or e-book?
E-book
Data or intuition?
Data and intuition
Prefer cold or heat?
Heat
Formal or informal attire?
Formal
Window or aisle?
Aisle
Wine or beer?
Neither
Is it made or born?
Made
The Legacy
How would you like to be remembered?
Professionally, as someone who managed to combine creativity with purpose and analysis, showing that innovation and art are not at odds with efficiency, and forming teams that grew both professionally and personally.
Personally, as someone who inspired his children to follow their passions without fear, passing on values of honesty, effort, and respect. Someone who taught them never to lose their curiosity or their ability to enjoy what they do. To give it their all, understanding that success is earned through work and cannot be bought, and that it is always worth continuing to seek what truly completes them.
What question have you never been asked in an interview that you would like to answer?
What did you learn from losing? Because I believe the deepest lessons come from failures, and they often define you more than successes do.
Which industry colleague would you like to see answering this questionnaire?
Sebastián Perrier, my partner and colleague of many years.