In the Spotlight with Damir Garvanovic

At Rightlander, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of affiliate compliance and marketing technology. We offer solutions that empower businesses and drive results. But what truly sets us apart is not just the technology—it’s the people.

In this exclusive interview series, we take you behind the scenes to meet the C-level executives shaping Rightlander's future. These visionaries, strategists, and innovators bring passion and expertise to every decision, ensuring quality, driving innovation, and keeping us ahead of the curve in a dynamic industry. 

This month, we uncover the stories and passions of our Solutions Director, Damir Garvanovic.

Introduction

What’s your name and role, and how long have you been with Rightlander.com? 

I’m Damir Garvanović, Solutions Director at Rightlander.com. I joined the company in August 2024.

Professional Journey

How did you start your career, and what led you to your current position at Rightlander.com?

My journey in the iGaming industry started 21 years ago, holding leadership roles across marketing, finance, product, and digital transformation. Over the years, I’ve worked with major organisations where I shaped brand strategies, drove digital innovations, and delivered consistent growth across all continents.

I started at the grassroots level, mastering the fundamentals in my early years before moving into more strategic roles. That hands-on foundation gave me a deep understanding of the industry, which has been invaluable. What drew me to Rightlander was its relentless drive for innovation, values, and culture. Rightlander has found the sweet spot - it’s big enough to execute ambitious projects but small enough to stay agile. That balance, combined with a shared vision of moving fast and innovating aggressively, made joining the team an easy decision.

What have been some key milestones in your career?

Revamping the Affiliate Platform at Betclic

At Betclic, I tackled the challenge of overhauling the affiliate program. I launched “Beaffiliates,” which brought together four separate programs from multiple brands across 20+ markets. This wasn’t just about making things more efficient - it fundamentally changed how the business operated. I grew the affiliate base from a few hundred to several thousand partners, turning the program into one of the company’s main revenue drivers. It was a transformational project and one of my most rewarding experiences.

Launching the “Show Your Heart” Campaign

While at Fortuna Entertainment Group, I created the “Show Your Heart” platform in collaboration with the Croatian Football Federation. Later endorsed by UEFA, top European football clubs, and government institutions, the campaign raised awareness about heart health in professional sports. We organised thousands of free heart exams, partnered with top athletes, and launched a nationwide media campaign that continues to impact communities. It wasn’t just a win for the brand - it was deeply meaningful to see the tangible difference it made in people’s lives.

Can you highlight a significant achievement or project at Rightlander.com that you’re proud of?

Although I’m still new, I’ve already laid the groundwork for expanding into the Balkan region and started work on AI-powered solutions to streamline client operations and analytics. These projects will improve client workflows and enhance consumer and brand protection while maintaining our rapid growth. It’s exciting to be part of something that has such far-reaching potential.

Day-to-Day Role

What does a typical day look like for you in your role?

My day starts at 5 AM with coffee and two hours of focus time before my kids wake up for school. I schedule my meetings for the morning and use the afternoons for operational work, research, and planning. My miniature schnauzer, Rey, is always by my side, making sure I stick to this routine!

Company Vision and Goals

What is your vision for the future of Rightlander.com?

To be the market leader in innovation and solutions that help clients automate the discovery and analysis of new revenue opportunities through compliant traffic sources.

What are the key initiatives or goals you’re currently focused on?

I’m working on expanding into the Balkan region, developing AI-driven tools, repositioning our brand and solutions, and launching new products like Trackback for both e-commerce and iGaming.

How do you see Rightlander.com evolving over the next few years?

Rightlander will continue to grow as a global leader in compliance, discovery and traffic analysis. We’ll stay ahead by enhancing our AI capabilities, expanding into new regions, and delivering solutions that enable our clients to operate more efficiently and confidently in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Our focus will remain on innovation, ensuring we always bring value to our clients.

Personal Insights

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests?

I love CAD drawing, architectural rendering, hiking with my dog, playing tennis, and listening to electronic music. I’m also fascinated by AI technology, both in software and hardware. I spend my evenings reading and researching new developments in AI, exploring how emerging technologies can be applied to solve real-world problems or improve everyday life. It’s a passion that keeps me curious and constantly learning.

Can you share a fun fact or something unexpected about yourself?

When I was 12, I bought my first Intel PC and became obsessed with figuring out how everything worked. While my friends were playing games, I spent hours learning CAD, programming in Pascal, editing images, making music, and experimenting with anything I could. That curiosity and hunger for knowledge have stayed with me ever since. Interestingly, I was always more drawn to creating and exploring technology than playing games.  

Advice and Inspiration

What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your career?

My family and an insatiable drive to create and innovate.

Who or what inspires you in your professional and personal life?

Professionally, Simon Sinek’s approach to leadership and vision is a big influence. I find a lot of inspiration in Jordan B. Peterson’s insights on resilience and responsibility.