We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Artur Tretjakevic, Head of Business Development & Marketing at 18Peaches, a company known for shaking up the iGaming space with its bold, human-centered approach. With a decade in iGaming, Artur’s career path is anything but linear.
From early days delivering printer toners to leading complex event and marketing strategies, their journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of genuine connection. Ahead of SBC Summit Lisbon, where 18Peaches will be at Stand C10, we discussed Artur’s unique career path, leadership philosophy, and what it really takes to thrive in the fast-paced iGaming industry.
TheGamblest: Can you tell us about your career path and how you entered the iGaming industry?
Artur: My career path was not linear. It took me 20 years in the job market and 10 years in iGaming to arrive where I am today. I started out as an expeditor, delivering printer toners to offices, before moving into sales.
My first attempt wasn’t very successful, with the 2008 financial crisis leading to layoffs. I then worked in IT sales, earning a minimum salary plus commissions, which was tough during dry months. Two years of cold calling was exhausting, so I moved into IT project management. Although I graduated in IT engineering, I never actually worked as a programmer, but studying shaped my mindset and taught me the importance of continuous learning throughout life.
TheGamblest: What was your first role in the iGaming sector?
Artur: A friend invited me to join BetGames as a Project Manager/Scrum Master for the IT team. Over time, my role expanded as I handled product analysis, photoshoots, design, footage recording, C-level reporting, events and marketing.
This included a fruitful spell at Aviatrix and ZingBrain AI, where I was focused on brand awareness for two fast-growing, young companies. We stole the show at several major conferences and delivered a regular funnel of leads to our sales team. Some of our campaigns were even recognised by industry peers, including at the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards, and it quickly became clear that this was my true passion.
TheGamblest: You’ve mentioned that leadership has always been in your heart. How has your leadership style evolved?
Artur: Even before managing full teams, I was naturally drawn to leadership. Whether it was building a house, flipping real estate, or guiding temporary project teams. I’ve been working with events for eight years and leading sales support in the process.
At 18Peaches, our sales team operates as one unit: when part of the team is at an event, the rest are setting meetings, following up and preparing lead lists.
We look to cover every angle, searching for leads on the conference floor, setting up last minute meetings and always being on hand to supply any information a potential client may be looking for. This is about every member of the team stepping up and taking a leadership role, and then acting as a single unit that is stronger than the sum of its parts.
We even create dedicated group chats for each event to keep the vibe alive, share inside jokes, and post unexpected photos. These little moments keep the energy high.
TheGamblest: What challenges have shaped your career the most?
Artur: I’ve been laid off four times due to external circumstances like financial or company crises. These experiences gave me a tough skin and taught me to adapt quickly. I’ve also worked in environments where revenue growth required constant innovation, so I was always in a “sales mindset”.
I fed these experiences into how I work today. I’m proud to be part of a team that focuses on speed and synergy. While one of us is at the event building a connection, another is already securing contact details, and someone else is sending a tailored proposal while the lead is still warm.
This rapid flow is possible because of our quick-response culture: no messages are left hanging and feedback from team leads comes almost instantly. When everyone aligns with the vision, you don’t need to repeat instructions — people just act, and results follow.
TheGamblest: You mentioned your family plays a role in your professional mindset. Can you elaborate?
Artur: Absolutely. My wife is a sales professional, so our conversations have always revolved around sales challenges and solutions. I became her sounding board, helping her calm down after tough days, offering advice and solving problems together. Leadership at home translates to leadership at work. It’s all about listening, supporting and finding solutions together.
TheGamblest: What’s a personal milestone for you this year?
Artur: This year marks 20 years together with my wife and 18 years of marriage. We first met in a folk group. I was a dancer, she sang in the choir. For our anniversary, we’re returning to the stage as veterans for a special performance after 20 years away. It’s a full-circle moment.
TheGamblest: Who have been your biggest professional influences?
Artur: I’m inspired by leaders like Eman Pulis, Rasmus Sojmark, and Dmitry Belianin. But I also owe a lot to people I’ve worked with: Viktoras Vovciuk, Vygerdas Jonikas, Mindaugas Stanelis, Vytautas Kacerauskas, Aiste Garneviciene, Aiste Pugaciauskaite, Edvardas Sadovskis, Alex Ioroshenko, Yanina Kaplya, Lucie Kadlecova, and many more who believed in me and supported my journey.
TheGamblest: Finally, what message would you like to share with the iGaming community ahead of SBC Lisbon?
Artur: To all my sales and events colleagues: we work in an environment full of challenges, but those challenges give us priceless experiences, and help us develop a thicker skin. So I simply say keep pushing, your time will come.
And do drop by Stand C10 at SBC Summit Lisbon for chat, whether that be business or to catch up on life and hobbies (I love dance, photography and singing).
Looking forward to seeing you there!
