Rational Group appoints Zynga executive for social gaming push

Melnick will be tasked with building and leading social casino and free-to-play initiatives, with a focus on the PokerStars and Full Tilt brands.

Melnick will join Rational Group from Zynga, where he most recently served as a senior director of the social gaming firm's ‘Zynga Social Casino’ operation.

Having first joined the company in June 2013, he also held the role of senior director of Zynga’s ‘Hit It Rich! Casino Slots’.

Prior to his time with Zynga, Melnick held various senior roles with Spooky Cool Labs, FineOneNine Games and the Walt Disney Company.

“The opportunity was irresistible because of Rational’s focus on the player. It has grown to be the leading real-money gaming poker product because of a laser focus on making their players happy,” Melnick said according to the RecentPoker.com website.

“This customer-centric philosophy has not yet been tried in the social space and I find it incredibly compelling.”

The appointment of Melnick comes after Rational Group this week confirmed a number of other senior management changes.

Israel Rosenthal has been named as Rational’s new chief operating officer, while Gino Appiotti will take on the role of chief marketing officer.

The changes were undertaken following a management review of the operation.