July 21, 2025
Amit Hoch, Industry Head of iGaming at Google, on His Journey to Portugal and the Power of Strategic Pivots
Innovation
Talent
"I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. It's the highest mountain on the continent; I even have the certificate," Amit Hoch says with a smile, displaying the same adventurous spirit that has defined his career path. From aspiring journalist to leading one of tech's most dynamic verticals at Google, his story is one of strategic pivots, global experience, and the courage to embrace change.
Today, Amit leads Google's efforts in one of the digital advertising world's most complex and rapidly evolving sectors. As Industry Head of iGaming, the interactive gaming industry that encompasses online casinos, sports betting, and digital gambling platforms, he navigates a landscape where technology, regulation, and consumer behavior intersect in fascinating ways. In the fast-paced world of digital advertising, few career paths are as daring as his.
Amit is a digital marketing executive with over 15 years of experience across agency, in-house, and platform. His career includes leadership roles in pioneer digital marketing agencies where he managed multimillion-dollar advertising budgets and led large-scale SEM and social acquisition strategies, as well as key positions at 888.com.
The Unexpected Beginning
Amit's journey began far from the world of tech advertising. "I wanted to be a journalist. This is why I went to study media and communications, specializing in journalism courses in what used to be considered the best major school in Israel, the College of Management," he recalls. But sometimes the most valuable lessons come from discovering exactly what you don't want to do.
"During that time, I learned that what I don't want to be is a journalist. So I had to find a different path; maybe that’s a key learning," Amit explains. "To understand what you don't want to do with your career is very important. So I shifted out of growing interest to marketing.”
This early pivot would prove prophetic. While his peers followed traditional paths into established advertising agencies, Amit chose a different route. "When I graduated, when peers, colleagues, friends, found themselves in classic, more traditional advertising companies, agencies, I figured it wasn’t for me because I'm more of an analytical person."
Discovering the Power of Search
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. As the iPhone launched in 2007 and mobile technology began making headlines, Amit recognized an emerging opportunity. "Back then, it was right after the iPhone launched, and mobile was picking up. It was the early days, and I wanted to find a mobile marketing agency, and I thought it was a nice, small niche that could grow."
This curiosity led him to explore search engine marketing (SEM), a field that would become his calling. "I read about it and realized that this is for me. This is what I'm willing to do in my career because it's a very straightforward mechanism," he explains. "Users search search engines, mostly Google, for something that they want. And then they see an advertisement that is relevant to what they are looking for." What attracted him most was the analytical nature of the area: "This combination of marketing and analysis and data triggered me, and this is how I started my career in that agency."
As we explored Amit’s first steps in Seperia, a pioneer in digital marketing and performance solutions founded in 2003, we discussed how mentorship and openness can inspire a team and ultimately shape the next great leader. Throughout his career, Amit encountered influential figures who shaped his leadership philosophy.
One particular mentor stands out, a VP of marketing who embodied the kind of leader Amit aspired to become. "His way of thinking was different; he was a very open guy. You could come and speak with him, although he was a VP and you were a manager. When I started there, his door was always open. He was always willing to hear opinions on different things," Amit remembers. This experience influenced his management style. "This is something I do today. I try to behave the same, encourage and inspire people in my team, and anyone that I work with."
Google, a Global Perspective and a Changing Industry
Amit’s move to Dublin was driven by an opportunity at Google, and the experience exceeded expectations. “When you imagine working for Google, you imagine something incredible like that,” he says of arriving at the headquarters.
Living in Ireland’s cosmopolitan tech hub provided Amit with a crucial international perspective. “Dublin became a big cosmopolitan place. People from all over the world lived there, worked there,” he reflects. The city’s global energy broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration. This exposure to diverse cultures and ideas broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for global collaboration, qualities that he carries into his leadership role.
As Industry Head for Real Money Gaming, Amit oversees a specialized vertical within Google's Global Business Operations (GBO). His role at Google exemplifies the company’s massive advertising engine. “Over 70% of Google’s revenue is from advertising,” he explains.
But like every industry, iGaming is experiencing significant shifts. He reflected on two major trends currently reshaping the landscape, including how Google is facing unprecedented competition and how the real money gaming sector is experiencing massive geographic expansion. "One of the biggest announcements of recent years was that Brazil regulated its market for online gambling. And this is huge for our industry," Amit explains. "This is a huge market in terms of population. A market where users are happy to place a bet on football, not only, but mostly football."
As someone who manually analyzed campaigns early in his career, Amit has witnessed the transformative power of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence firsthand. "We're now trying to navigate our partners, the advertisers, to work towards efficient ways because AI is very wide, not always efficient," he notes.
But Google's AI capabilities are particularly impressive in content creation. "We launched Google Veo 3, a new model for video creation that’s a game changer. Many ads right now can be done with Veo, especially for smaller advertisers without the ability to access to big productions, can create amazing assets for their campaigns."
For those starting their careers in this AI-driven era, Amit offers pragmatic advice: "I think an important focus area is to understand what to do with technology, and have a business understanding. You have a lot of new tools and a lot of new options. We're at a point where we need to understand, to test, and see what is relevant or not."
Today, Amit leads Google's efforts in one of the digital advertising world's most complex and rapidly evolving sectors. As Industry Head of iGaming, the interactive gaming industry that encompasses online casinos, sports betting, and digital gambling platforms, he navigates a landscape where technology, regulation, and consumer behavior intersect in fascinating ways. In the fast-paced world of digital advertising, few career paths are as daring as his.
Amit is a digital marketing executive with over 15 years of experience across agency, in-house, and platform. His career includes leadership roles in pioneer digital marketing agencies where he managed multimillion-dollar advertising budgets and led large-scale SEM and social acquisition strategies, as well as key positions at 888.com.
The Unexpected Beginning
Amit's journey began far from the world of tech advertising. "I wanted to be a journalist. This is why I went to study media and communications, specializing in journalism courses in what used to be considered the best major school in Israel, the College of Management," he recalls. But sometimes the most valuable lessons come from discovering exactly what you don't want to do.
"During that time, I learned that what I don't want to be is a journalist. So I had to find a different path; maybe that’s a key learning," Amit explains. "To understand what you don't want to do with your career is very important. So I shifted out of growing interest to marketing.”
This early pivot would prove prophetic. While his peers followed traditional paths into established advertising agencies, Amit chose a different route. "When I graduated, when peers, colleagues, friends, found themselves in classic, more traditional advertising companies, agencies, I figured it wasn’t for me because I'm more of an analytical person."
Discovering the Power of Search
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. As the iPhone launched in 2007 and mobile technology began making headlines, Amit recognized an emerging opportunity. "Back then, it was right after the iPhone launched, and mobile was picking up. It was the early days, and I wanted to find a mobile marketing agency, and I thought it was a nice, small niche that could grow."
This curiosity led him to explore search engine marketing (SEM), a field that would become his calling. "I read about it and realized that this is for me. This is what I'm willing to do in my career because it's a very straightforward mechanism," he explains. "Users search search engines, mostly Google, for something that they want. And then they see an advertisement that is relevant to what they are looking for." What attracted him most was the analytical nature of the area: "This combination of marketing and analysis and data triggered me, and this is how I started my career in that agency."
As we explored Amit’s first steps in Seperia, a pioneer in digital marketing and performance solutions founded in 2003, we discussed how mentorship and openness can inspire a team and ultimately shape the next great leader. Throughout his career, Amit encountered influential figures who shaped his leadership philosophy.
One particular mentor stands out, a VP of marketing who embodied the kind of leader Amit aspired to become. "His way of thinking was different; he was a very open guy. You could come and speak with him, although he was a VP and you were a manager. When I started there, his door was always open. He was always willing to hear opinions on different things," Amit remembers. This experience influenced his management style. "This is something I do today. I try to behave the same, encourage and inspire people in my team, and anyone that I work with."
Google, a Global Perspective and a Changing Industry
Amit’s move to Dublin was driven by an opportunity at Google, and the experience exceeded expectations. “When you imagine working for Google, you imagine something incredible like that,” he says of arriving at the headquarters.
Living in Ireland’s cosmopolitan tech hub provided Amit with a crucial international perspective. “Dublin became a big cosmopolitan place. People from all over the world lived there, worked there,” he reflects. The city’s global energy broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration. This exposure to diverse cultures and ideas broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for global collaboration, qualities that he carries into his leadership role.
As Industry Head for Real Money Gaming, Amit oversees a specialized vertical within Google's Global Business Operations (GBO). His role at Google exemplifies the company’s massive advertising engine. “Over 70% of Google’s revenue is from advertising,” he explains.
But like every industry, iGaming is experiencing significant shifts. He reflected on two major trends currently reshaping the landscape, including how Google is facing unprecedented competition and how the real money gaming sector is experiencing massive geographic expansion. "One of the biggest announcements of recent years was that Brazil regulated its market for online gambling. And this is huge for our industry," Amit explains. "This is a huge market in terms of population. A market where users are happy to place a bet on football, not only, but mostly football."
As someone who manually analyzed campaigns early in his career, Amit has witnessed the transformative power of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence firsthand. "We're now trying to navigate our partners, the advertisers, to work towards efficient ways because AI is very wide, not always efficient," he notes.
But Google's AI capabilities are particularly impressive in content creation. "We launched Google Veo 3, a new model for video creation that’s a game changer. Many ads right now can be done with Veo, especially for smaller advertisers without the ability to access to big productions, can create amazing assets for their campaigns."
For those starting their careers in this AI-driven era, Amit offers pragmatic advice: "I think an important focus area is to understand what to do with technology, and have a business understanding. You have a lot of new tools and a lot of new options. We're at a point where we need to understand, to test, and see what is relevant or not."
Amit’s Next Pivot: Portugal
Amit's decision to establish himself in Portugal stems from both personal and professional motivations, as the geopolitical situation in Israel plays a significant role. Portugal appealed to him for two key reasons: his positive experiences visiting the country before and its growing tech potential. "I come from the tech industry, and I want to be relevant in the market that I’m considering moving to. And the tech industry in Portugal is something that is on the rise. And in terms of potential work environment, business environment, I think it's a very good place to keep our eyes on.”
While navigating international relocation can be daunting, Amit found invaluable support through World Talents and the Global Talent Portugal Program. "For me, it was the most important thing, the service, because I hate bureaucracy. I cannot handle bureaucracy myself.” The service exceeded his expectations: "Everything was explained and helpful in the best manner there is from the starting point until where we are right now. I’m really, honestly grateful for that. And without that, I couldn't even start the process."
Beyond bureaucracy, the program facilitated meaningful connections with Portugal's academic ecosystem. Amit’s visit to Coimbra University proved particularly valuable: "Many things came up quite fast because of what they're doing in terms of research and what I bring to the table, the business angle of it." As we discussed his visit, Amit commented on the unique potential of the country as its openness to international talent creates tremendous opportunities: "Portugal is unique in the fact that they open themselves to the world. And where they can bring the right talent, will for sure benefit the ecosystem."
The Road Ahead
Amit's passion for travel drives a significant part of his personal fulfillment. "I love traveling, flying somewhere, renting a car, and driving," he says. "My friends even bought me a big book with the most epic road trips in the world.” His adventures range from challenging mountain climbs to discovering surprising gems like Slovenia, which he describes as having "many, many beautiful places in a very easygoing country."
As our conversation was coming to an end, it became clear just how well Portugal suits Amit. Now establishing himself in the country, his story reflects broader trends in global talent mobility and the evolving nature of the tech industry. "First, you need to want to do it. It's not something you do just like a sidekick; it's something you really need to commit to and invest in. This is an investment in yourself."
His journey, from journalism student to Google executive, from manual campaign analysis to AI-powered marketing, and from Israel to Dublin and now Portugal, shows how important adaptability and a willingness to embrace change can be. We’re sure Amit’s story is far from over; it's just the beginning of his next chapter, this time in Portugal.
Original article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amit-hoch-industry-head-igaming-google-his-journey-portugal-zhk8f
Amit's decision to establish himself in Portugal stems from both personal and professional motivations, as the geopolitical situation in Israel plays a significant role. Portugal appealed to him for two key reasons: his positive experiences visiting the country before and its growing tech potential. "I come from the tech industry, and I want to be relevant in the market that I’m considering moving to. And the tech industry in Portugal is something that is on the rise. And in terms of potential work environment, business environment, I think it's a very good place to keep our eyes on.”
While navigating international relocation can be daunting, Amit found invaluable support through World Talents and the Global Talent Portugal Program. "For me, it was the most important thing, the service, because I hate bureaucracy. I cannot handle bureaucracy myself.” The service exceeded his expectations: "Everything was explained and helpful in the best manner there is from the starting point until where we are right now. I’m really, honestly grateful for that. And without that, I couldn't even start the process."
Beyond bureaucracy, the program facilitated meaningful connections with Portugal's academic ecosystem. Amit’s visit to Coimbra University proved particularly valuable: "Many things came up quite fast because of what they're doing in terms of research and what I bring to the table, the business angle of it." As we discussed his visit, Amit commented on the unique potential of the country as its openness to international talent creates tremendous opportunities: "Portugal is unique in the fact that they open themselves to the world. And where they can bring the right talent, will for sure benefit the ecosystem."
The Road Ahead
Amit's passion for travel drives a significant part of his personal fulfillment. "I love traveling, flying somewhere, renting a car, and driving," he says. "My friends even bought me a big book with the most epic road trips in the world.” His adventures range from challenging mountain climbs to discovering surprising gems like Slovenia, which he describes as having "many, many beautiful places in a very easygoing country."
As our conversation was coming to an end, it became clear just how well Portugal suits Amit. Now establishing himself in the country, his story reflects broader trends in global talent mobility and the evolving nature of the tech industry. "First, you need to want to do it. It's not something you do just like a sidekick; it's something you really need to commit to and invest in. This is an investment in yourself."
His journey, from journalism student to Google executive, from manual campaign analysis to AI-powered marketing, and from Israel to Dublin and now Portugal, shows how important adaptability and a willingness to embrace change can be. We’re sure Amit’s story is far from over; it's just the beginning of his next chapter, this time in Portugal.
Original article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amit-hoch-industry-head-igaming-google-his-journey-portugal-zhk8f