innovation & Adventure

Andrew Cardno’s journey from humble beginnings in rural New Zealand to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation is a story of resilience and vision. A graduate of Otago University, where he earned a Bachelor of Surveying, and Victoria University of Wellington, where he obtained a Diploma in Computer Science, Andrew has combined his technical expertise with a passion for solving complex problems across diverse industries.

Over his career, Andrew has provided transformative database, mapping, and visualization solutions for some of the world’s most prominent organizations. His work has directly impacted industry leaders such as Seminole Gaming, Harrah’s Entertainment Corporation, Penn National Gaming, Inc., Walmart, Best Buy, and Mayo Clinic, among others. From optimizing slot machine layouts to improving customer experience strategies, Andrew’s contributions have consistently delivered measurable value.

Currently based in San Diego, California, Andrew lives with his wife Karen and their four children. Beyond his professional pursuits, Andrew is a dedicated family man, a martial artist holding a 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and an advocate for cultural preservation. His personal interests include practicing yoga and supporting STEM education, especially through his work as a Science Olympiad coach, inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Andrew's career is a testament to his exceptional intellect, innovative vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in New Zealand to his role as a global leader in data and technology, Andrew has consistently demonstrated a rare ability to tackle complex problems with elegant solutions. 

Early in his career, Andrew was instrumental in developing advanced mapping and visualization technologies, including the revolutionary deep zoom image format—a technique that remains a cornerstone of modern geospatial mapping tools.

Before co-founding QCI, Andrew held pivotal roles in companies where his innovations forever changed the gaming industry. Andrew introduced visual analytics to gaming, creating slot floor optimization tools that helped casinos achieve unprecedented profitability. His solutions turned abstract data into intuitive visual heatmaps, providing gaming operators with actionable insights that transformed how they managed their operations. 

This brilliance earned him two Smithsonian Laureates and accolades as one of the most forward-thinking technologists in the industry.  Andrew’s visionary mindset extends far beyond the gaming floor. His career has touched industries like retail, where he worked with giants such as Walmart and Best Buy to improve operational efficiencies through data-driven insights. 

In healthcare, his contributions to institutions like City of Hope and UCSD have helped streamline complex processes and improve patient outcomes. His versatility across industries showcases not just his technical expertise but also his ability to adapt and innovate, regardless of the domain. This breadth of experience and his ability to pioneer solutions for entirely different challenges are hallmarks of Andrew’s brilliance.

As co-founder and CTO of Quick Custom Intelligence, Andrew has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in gaming analytics. QCI’s platform, now deployed in over 250 casinos worldwide, leverages Andrew’s decades of expertise to deliver cutting-edge AI-powered tools that align player development, marketing, and operations in real time. The platform manages over $20 billion in annual gaming revenue, a reflection of Andrew’s ability to scale his innovations for global impact. 

Through QCI, Andrew has not only transformed the gaming industry but has also set a new standard for what data-driven decision-making can achieve. His work history isn’t just a list of achievements—it’s a story of brilliance, dedication, and game-changing contributions that continue to shape industries around the world.

Andrew’s ongoing work in the gaming industry exemplifies his unwavering commitment to innovation, security, and client success. As the co-founder and CTO of Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), Andrew leads with a vision that not only transforms how casinos operate but also ensures their data remains secure in an evolving technological landscape. 

With QCI’s unique ability to deploy both on-site and cloud-based systems, Andrew has positioned the company as a trusted partner for gaming operators seeking advanced, flexible, and secure solutions. A cornerstone of Andrew’s leadership is his dedication to safeguarding sensitive data. 

In an era where cloud-based solutions offer immense benefits but also present potential risks, Andrew ensures QCI’s systems are designed to meet the highest security standards. By offering hybrid deployment options, QCI enables its clients to maintain sovereignty over their data while leveraging the power of real-time analytics.  This dual approach reflects Andrew’s deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of the gaming industry, making QCI a standout choice for operators worldwide.

Andrew is not just the technical leader of QCI but also its most visible ambassador. As the recognized head of the organization, he takes an active role in fostering relationships with clients, attending industry events, and gathering feedback that directly informs QCI’s solutions. His ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and client engagement is a defining aspect of his leadership, ensuring that QCI’s products are not only cutting-edge but also deeply aligned with the needs of its users.

Through his continuing work in the gaming space, Andrew remains a driving force behind the industry’s evolution. His forward-thinking approach to technology and his focus on building meaningful client relationships ensure that QCI remains at the forefront of gaming intelligence. Whether advancing security protocols, optimizing operations, or guiding clients through the complexities of data analytics, Andrew Cardno is redefining what it means to lead in the gaming industry.