Former Aristocrat executive Hector Fernandez has officially started in his new role as CEO of recently merged gaming industry supplier IGT’s gaming business.
A full year since his departure as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming was announced, IGT confirmed that Fernandez has now completed the contractual obligations that prevented him from joining earlier. As CEO, he will lead the new-look entity that has emerged from Apollo Global Management’s move to acquire and bring together IGT’s gaming and digital business with payments and kiosk leader Everi Holdings.
His arrival also means that Nick Khin, who previously served as interim enterprise CEO and CEO of the Gaming business unit, will step down from his position with the company and transitioning into a role as a strategic advisor to the senior leadership team and board of directors.
“I’m honored and excited to lead IGT into its next chapter,” Fernandez said. “This is a company with strong talent, deep industry relationships and significant potential. As we bring together the legacy IGT and Everi teams, in partnership with Apollo, we have an opportunity to evolve how we operate, innovate and deliver for our customers. I’m looking forward to working with our teams around the world to define what’s next for IGT.”
Daniel Cohen, Partner at Apollo and Chair of IGT’s Board of Directors, added, “Led by Hector and a talented team of leaders from across the legacy IGT Gaming & Digital and Everi businesses, as well as key new hires from inside and outside the industry, we believe the combined enterprise will accelerate growth, enhance product and content innovation, and become an even stronger partner to its customers.
“Hector shares our commitment to fostering a high-performing, people-first culture, and we are confident he will lead this team to new heights.”
The company explained that IGT’s digital business unit will continue to be led by Gil Rotem and the FinTech business by Darren Simmons
Apollo completed its US$6.3 billion acquisition of Everi and the IGT business arms in July, with a plan to integrate the two businesses into a combined enterprise headquartered in Las Vegas, operating under the IGT name.
