Michael Ratner, CPM

Current

Director, Systems Product Marketing at Bally Technologies

Past

Product Manager at Paltronics
Product Manager at Atronic Americas
Casino Manager (Divi Casino St Croix USVI) at Treasure Bay

Gaming Director at The Resort at Summerlin
VP Slot operations at Treasure Bay

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2 more...

Education

South African Airforce College

Recommended

2 people have recommended Michael

Connections

111 connections

Industry

Gambling & Casinos

Websites

My Company

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Summary

I firmly believe that Product Management is an integral part of any organization that is serious about how products are managed. Without a product management philosophy and discipline, any technology company can easily become focused on the technology instead of the customers and is often organized along technology lines rather than in ways that benefit the customer. Product management as a discipline is about what the product should be. Product managers are advocates for the customer’s needs and desires.
Using these fundamental philosophies is what drives me the most about being a product Manager.

My many years of being on the operational side of slot and casino management has taught me about the fundamentals of gaming - focus on the customer. As a Product Manager in the gaming industry, I still draw on the experience from my operational days to channel my focus in helping develop products that customers want and need.

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Specialties:

• 18 years experience in casino and slot operations
• 8 years experience in Product Management within the gaming technology industry.
• Branding and positioning of slot products

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Experience

Director, Systems Product Marketing

Bally Technologies

(Public Company; BYI; Gambling & Casinos industry)

March 2009 — Present (10 months)

As a Product Marketing Manager, I am responsible for the outbound marketing activities for various systems products. I develop and craft the messaging and positioning for these various products and I conceive and develop innovative marketing programs that drive demand. Attention to detail and an eye for quality, along with the ability to grasp and translate technical capabilities into benefits is crucial.
Product Manager

Paltronics

(Privately Held; Gambling & Casinos industry)

January 2007 — March 2009 (2 years 3 months)

Establish product management principles within the company.
Product Manager

Atronic Americas

(Gambling & Casinos industry)

2001 — 2006 (5 years )

Direct interface between sales organization and international development team. Ensure that market requirements for products were included in product development. Liaison for USA market into the global organization.
Casino Manager (Divi Casino St Croix USVI)

Treasure Bay

(Gambling & Casinos industry)

June 1999 — January 2001 (1 year 8 months)

New casino opening on the island of St Croix USVI.
Hiring and training of new employees, procured casino equipment, establishing policies and procedures for all staff, liaising with USVI Gaming commission and management of casino when opened.
Gaming Director

The Resort at Summerlin

(Gambling & Casinos industry)

June 1998 — August 1999 (1 year 3 months)

New casino opening in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas.
Hiring and training of new employees, assisted with procurement of casino equipment - slot machines, establishing policies and procedures for all staff and management of casino when opened.
VP Slot operations

Treasure Bay

(Gambling & Casinos industry)

July 1993 — June 1998 (5 years )

New casino opening in Biloxi Mississippi
Hiring and training of new employees, procurement of slot equipment, designed slot floor layout, hiring of all slot department employees, establishing policies and procedures for all staff and management of slot operation when casino when opened.

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Education

South African Airforce College

Electronics , Airborne radio and radar , 1980 — 1983

Electronics background with experience in component level repair during my Air force career.
Started my gaming career as a slot machine technician involving repair and maintenance of electro-mechanical and electronic slot machines.

Activities and Societies:

Pragmatic Marketing alumni
Certified Product Manager - CPM, Pragmatic Marketing
Member of AIPMM

Additional Information

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Websites:

My Company

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Interests:

New Technology Management Training Developing skills

Michael Ratner, CPM’s Groups:

Member - Association of International Product Marketing & Management (AIPMM)
Certified Product Manager through Pragmatic Marketing
Pragmatic Alumni

AIPMM
Pragmatic Marketing Alumni
Gaming People - The Gaming People Expert Network (+10.000)
GHIP- GAMING & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS GROUP (CASINOS-HOTELS-RESTAURANTS)
World Gaming Executives
Product Management Professionals
Pragmatic Marketing Certified
GLOBAL GAMBLING & CASINO EXECUTIVES - almost 2000 members
The Casino Gaming Group