PEOPLE
LIGHT & WONDER CFO JAMES STEPPING DOWN
Slot supplier Light &
Wonder announced that Connie James , the company ’ s chief financial officer , treasurer and corporate secretary , will be stepping down from her position effective August 25 , to pursue another opportunity that will allow her to further
Connie James
advance her long-term professional objectives outside the gaming industry .
Following James ’ departure , Oliver Chow , the company ’ s current senior vice president of corporate finance , will assume the role of interim CFO until a permanent successor is appointed .
The Light & Wonder board of directors has initiated a search for a permanent replacement at CFO , retaining a leading search firm to assist in evaluating both internal and external candidates for the role .
“ Connie has played a key role in advancing Light & Wonder ’ s cultural and financial transformation , which has led to operational excellence , double-digit growth and a strengthened balance sheet ,” said Matt Wilson , chief executive officer of Light & Wonder .
“ She also helped us build a deep and talented finance team that will help provide a smooth transition to the next chapter of financial leadership within the company . On behalf of the board and management team . I wish her well in her future endeavors .”
James said , “ Serving alongside such a talented team has been a highlight of my career , and I am very proud of what we ’ ve accomplished together . We have scaled our business , evolved our capital allocation strategy and driven considerable efficiencies that have created a stronger , more flexible Light & Wonder .
“ I am confident that Light & Wonder is wellpositioned for continued success , and I am focused on ensuring a seamless transition over the coming months .”
Prior to joining Light & Wonder in October 2022 , Chow spent five years in senior-level finance roles at Aristocrat , most recently serving as chief financial officer-Americas , EMEA and customer experience . Previously , he served in various financial roles with Universal Pictures , Deluxe Entertainment Services and JPMorgan Chase & Co .
IGT ’ S LOTTERY CHIEF CAIROLI DIES
Fabio Cairoli , 58 , CEO of global lottery for International Game Technology , died suddenly after falling ill while aboard a yacht moored at the island of Giglio off the coast of Tuscany , Italy on July 8 .
Prior to his role at the head of IGT ’ s lottery division , Cairoli served as the company ’ s chief executive officer , Italy , where he was responsible for managing all business lines , marketing services , and sales for the company ’ s Italian operations . A Milan native , he joined IGT legacy company Lottomatica Group S . p . A . in 2012 as senior vice president of business .
“ Fabio was an outstanding executive ,” said IGT Executive Chair Marco Sala . “ He was distinguished by his passion , drive , sincerity , and commitment to results and innovation . His leadership of the Global Lottery Sales and Operations , Italy Lottery Operations , Global Lottery Product and Sales Development , and Global Lottery Technology and Support functions was unparalleled .
“ While these operations remain in very capable and experienced hands , we recognize that many in the lottery industry also held personal relationships with Fabio , and that he was a greatly respected friend within and beyond the industry . At this time , IGT extends its deepest condolences to Fabio Cairoli ’ s family , as we dedicate our efforts to supporting their needs during this difficult time .”
KENJI HALL NAMED GM AT YAAMAVA ’
The San Manuel Entertainment Authority has named Kenji Hall the new general manager at Yaamava ’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel , succeeding Peter Arceo , who was selected as chief gaming officer for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in May .
Fabio Cairoli
Kenji Hall
Hall will lead the strategic execution and performance of daily gaming and hospitality operations and continue in his successful role as a leader of workplace culture at the award-winning resort and casino .
Hall joined San Manuel Casino in 2017 as chief operating officer-hospitality , where he led the complete renovation of the tribe ’ s Bear Springs Hotel in San Bernardino , California . Hall also brought revenue growth to San Manuel Casino with the opening of new and phenomenally successful food and beverage outlets .
Later , Hall was named chief operating officercasino , where he was responsible for leading the expansion of gaming operations and played an instrumental role in the rebranding and opening of Yaamava ’.
“ Kenji ’ s expertise in hotel , food and beverage , marketing and gaming operations make him ideally qualified for leading the next generation of service excellence at Yaamava ’,” said Peter Arceo , chief gaming officer of the tribe .
“ I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue the Yaamava ’ legacy as a best-inclass resort and casino ,” said Hall .
MORONGO ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians announced that Jason Carrizosa has been named as chief administrative officer of the Morongo Tribal Government and Christopher Reyes has been named as executive director of the Morongo Gaming Agency .
“ Morongo is excited to be promoting Jason Carrizosa and Christopher Reyes , whose combined expertise , unmatched innovation and demonstrated leadership skills will help ensure the continued success of our
Jason Carrizosa
Christopher Reyes
tribal government and our gaming operations ,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin .
GGB
August 2023 Index of Advertisers
AGEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 AGEM & AGA Annual Golf Classic . . . . . . . . . . . 55 AGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Aristocrat Gaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Axes . ai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bluberi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Casino Player Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Eclipse Gaming Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Emerging Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Everi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Fantini Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Fox Rothschild LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Global Gaming Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Good Giant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Incredible Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 IGT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 J Carcamo & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 OIGA - Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association . . 37 Playtech Ltd . PT Services Delaware . . . . . . . . . . 11 Reed Expo ( RX ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 UNLV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
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