Global gaming giant International Game Technology (IGT) has declared a series of significant leadership alterations following the departure of its chairperson. Vincent Sadusky, formerly at the helm of Univision Communication, will now assume the role of chief executive officer.
The announcement comes on the heels of the retirement of Lorenzo Pellicioli, who will be succeeded by current CEO Marco Sala as executive chairperson.
Pellicioli assumed the role of chairperson of the IGT board in November 2018, having previously served as vice chairperson since April 2015, and before that as a member of the Lottomatica board.
During his time at the helm, he oversaw a complete restructuring of IGT’s operations, which were divided into two divisions: Global Lottery and Global Gaming. He also made the decision to sell the Lottomatica B2C business last year.
With Pellicioli’s departure, Sala becomes executive chairperson. He was appointed CEO of IGT in April 2015, following the merger of Gtech, where he was previously CEO, with the traditional International Game Technology.
“The changes in IGT’s management team and board are a significant step for the company as it prepares for its next stage of growth,” Pellicioli remarked.
IGT has further bolstered its capacity to carry out its long-term plan and value-generating projects identified at the company’s recent Investor Day.
Marco’s leadership of the IGT board is a natural fit. Most importantly, he boasts a proven track record during his 19 years at IGT and its predecessor organizations, earning the trust and respect of IGT clients, shareholders, business partners, and regulatory bodies.
As Executive Chairman, Marco will concentrate on managing the board, corporate governance, including sustainability efforts, and steering IGT’s strategic direction.
Sara’s nomination as Chair will be presented at the IGT board meeting in June 2022.
Replacing Sara as CEO is veteran television executive Vincent Sadusky, who most recently held the same position at Univision Communications. Sadusky also served as CEO of local television companies Media General and LIN Media.
“We are happy to announce that experienced executive, current IGT board member and former board member of its predecessor companies, and former Chair of our Audit Committee, Vincent Sadusky, will succeed Marco as CEO,” said Pelisoli.
“Vincent brings unique skills to the role, combining his knowledge of IGT with decades of experience in leadership positions at public and private companies in dynamic industries, including digital and media, showcasing his ability to create shareholder value.”
The shift to the chief executive officer position will be fairly seamless.”
Sara expressed her anticipation of collaborating with Sadasky.
“I am excited about my new position as the head of the board at IGT and working alongside Vince, with whom I have collaborated extensively over time, to guide IGT towards success,” he stated. “I am confident that our abilities and experience are compatible and will benefit our investors.”
“Specifically, Vince’s extensive experience in investment firms and financial markets will be highly valuable as we implement our plan.”
Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter will also become members of the IGT board as independent directors. Pinelli will also assume Sadasky’s role as Chair of IGT’s Audit Committee, while Hunter has also been assigned to the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maria and Ashley to our Board. They both bring extensive and varied expertise to IGT, enhancing the makeup of our Board. We anticipate their contributions,” Pelisoli said.
IGT has undergone a series of personnel adjustments in recent years. In November, the provider appointed former Bet365 and 888 executive Gil Rothman as its new online gaming leader. The preceding month, it selected former William Hill US CEO Joe Asher as its new sports betting leader.
In the third quarter of 2021, IGT reported growth across all business segments and product types, with total revenue increasing by 20.6% to $984 million.
Consequently, the firm has increased its annual revenue projection to $4.1 billion.
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