Early Life
Johann Graf was born on January 3, 1946, in Austria. He grew up in Vienna and, after completing an apprenticeship, became Austria's youngest master butcher at the age of 23. However, he chose a different career path, leaving the butchery business to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Rise to Success
In 1974, Graf co-founded Brodnik & Graf GmbH, importing pinball machines. This venture marked his initial step into the amusement industry. In 1980, he founded Novomatic Automatenhandels GmbH, which later became Novomatic Group. Graf's innovative approach and business acumen drove Novomatic's rapid expansion. By the 1990s, the company had established branches in over 50 countries. Novomatic's success is attributed to its vertical integration, designing and manufacturing its own gaming equipment, and operating casinos and gaming venues.
Key Business Strategies
Graf focused on innovation in gaming technology, developing systems for credit transfers and access control to avoid fraud. Novomatic expanded aggressively into Eastern Europe and other markets, acquiring companies to strengthen its global presence. The company's strategy also included offering a wide range of gaming products, from slot machines to online platforms.
Philanthropy
Information on Johann Graf's specific philanthropic activities and amounts is limited in the search results. However, his company, Novomatic, is involved in Corporate Social Responsibility, and has supported initiatives in the fields of responsible gaming, environmental protection, and social projects.
