The holding company formed to acquire International Game Technology PLC?s Gaming & Digital Business (?IGT Gaming?) and Everi Holdings Inc. ("Everi") in connection with the previously announced acquisitions by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management Inc. (the "Apollo Funds") announced that Hector Fernandez will lead the combined enterprise as CEO. Mr. Fernandez brings a clear track record of success across technology and gaming as well as deep strategic and financial expertise. His diverse experience both inside and outside of the gaming industry is expected to position him well to integrate and lead two highly complementary gaming platforms following the transaction close with a focus on growth, product innovation and content generation.
Mr. Fernandez most recently served as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, Aristocrat Leisure Limited?s global land-based gaming content and technology business. During his tenure, he devised and led a number of strategic initiatives that enabled gains in market share across multiple verticals while delivering strong revenue growth and increased profitability. Mr. Fernandez will join the combined enterprise by the fourth quarter of 2025 after expiration of a customary non-compete period.
Following the transaction close, Nick Khin, President, Global Gaming at IGT, will lead the combined enterprise as Interim CEO until Mr. Fernandez assumes the CEO role. Following closing, the combined enterprise will be organized into three business units: Gaming, Digital, and FinTech. Upon Mr. Fernandez joining the combined enterprise, Mr. Khin will step into the newly formed role of CEO, Gaming, and will oversee the land-based gaming businesses of the combined enterprise.
Gil Rotem, current President of IGT PlayDigital, will serve as CEO, Digital, and Darren Simmons, current Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader at Everi, will serve as CEO, FinTech. These appointments expand on the previously announced leadership for the combined enterprise.
