Zeal CEO: How my rocket science background prepared me for a heavily regulated industry

(AsiaGameHub) –   Stefan Tweraser took on the role of CEO at German lottery brokerage Zeal in September, bringing a wealth of experience from diverse fields including e-commerce, consulting, and rocket engineering.

In a recent conversation with iGB, the CEO shared how his varied background has equipped him for the gambling sector, including a profound understanding of how regulation can benefit an industry.

“Before joining Zeal, I was at Rocket Factory Augsburg, where we developed launch vehicles for satellites – a highly regulated environment,” he stated.

“My key takeaway from that experience is that well-implemented regulation provides a clear framework for innovation, defining the boundaries for new developments and non-negotiable aspects like safety. At Zeal, these principles are directly applicable to areas such as responsible gambling.”

Tweraser mentioned that the board was specifically looking for a candidate with experience in regulated industries. He also brought a deep understanding of highly scalable digital platforms.

Discussions with the board included strategies for utilizing regulation to foster innovation.

“I am a firm believer that regulation, when applied correctly, is a catalyst for the right kind of innovation,” Tweraser told iGB.

“Without it, innovation can easily become driven by short-term tactics or questionable practices. Robust and consistently enforced regulation establishes a level playing field, enabling companies to concentrate on what truly matters: delivering value to customers.”

Experience in ecommerce

Prior to his work at Rocket Factory, Tweraser held executive positions at the independent music platform Deezer. He also gained experience at Google and A1 Telekom Austria.

His background with other e-commerce platforms has also informed Zeal’s broader strategy, as the company aims to be more than just a gambling product provider.

“That experience is directly relevant to Zeal, where demand can surge dramatically in very short periods, especially during major jackpots. Managing these fluctuations, both technologically and in terms of customer experience, requires a different approach compared to more predictable e-commerce models.”

Before delving into the industry and Zeal itself, Tweraser admitted he had “underestimated the attractiveness of the sector.”

“Initially, I was drawn to the ability to operate across the entire value chain. However, as I gained a deeper understanding, I became increasingly impressed by the underlying customer motivations,” he added.

“What is particularly compelling is how our product teams translate these motivations into unique offerings.”

Zeal beats revenue forecast in FY25 despite weak jackpot period

In March, Zeal announced a 16% revenue increase across its entire business, reaching €218 million in FY25.

The operator noted that this revenue growth in lotteries occurred despite a “weak jackpot environment” in 2025.

Revenue for the period exceeded the forecasted range of €205 million to €215 million by 2%, reaching €218 million. EBITDA reached €68.8 million, hitting the upper end of the previously projected €63 million to €68 million range.

The company is optimistic about the upcoming year and anticipates continuing to increase its marketing investment at a pace faster than its revenue growth.

Furthermore, Tweraser indicated that Zeal is exploring additional investments in the prize draw sector, potentially expanding its operations beyond Germany.

The CEO remains highly confident in the growth potential of the lottery sector. “While the category might appear somewhat traditional at first glance, in reality, very few products offer people the chance to dream big – even if only for a few moments,” he told iGB.

“I firmly believe the category can be highly engaging when positioned and communicated effectively.”

Tweraser succeeded Helmut Becker, the long-serving CEO who departed the sector after a decade at Zeal Network.

Last June, Becker informed iGB of his intention to shift his focus to investing in new startups and entrepreneurship, seeking investments across a broader range of sectors than just gaming.