Cathryn Lai

Cathryn Lai is an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University's Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences. She concurrently serves as Chief Commercial Officer at OpenBet, where she oversees commercial operations, product strategy, and partnerships in the sports betting and gaming sector. Her professional background spans over 15 years in new product development, innovation, and strategic leadership within the gaming industry.

Education:

• MBA in Strategic Management, DePaul University
• M.M. in Piano Performance, University of Houston
• B.M. in Piano Performance/Audio Technology, Oberlin College

Research Interests: Cathryn focuses on strategic product management, innovation processes, and emerging technologies in gaming and sports betting. She emphasizes fostering critical and innovative thinking in students to prepare them as industry thought leaders. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging her technical and business education to address market dynamics and regulatory challenges in rapidly expanding markets.

Awards:

• Recognized as one of the “25 to Watch” by Global Gaming Business
• Honored as “40 under 40 Emerging Leaders” by Global Gaming Business

Advising & Grants: While no formal academic advisees are listed, Cathryn actively mentors students through her teaching role at Northwestern. She leads DEI initiatives to elevate women in gaming and sports betting industries. Previously, she spearheaded product and marketing strategies at Scientific Games as Senior Vice President of Products and Marketing, contributing to successful market launches of casino-based electronic games.

Affiliations: Cathryn sits on the Board of Directors for AVIXA™ (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), which drives industry standards, professional development, and trade shows in the audiovisual sector.