Slot and system manufacturer Bally Technologies announced that Robert Caller is retiring from his post of chief financial officer, to be replaced by Neil P. Davidson, currently the company’s chief accounting officer.

Davidson has been promoted to senior vice president, chief financial officer and corporate treasurer.

Davidson joined Bally in 2006 as vice president of corporate accounting, and was appointed chief accounting officer in May 2008. During his tenure, he has worked directly under Caller in assisting the company to improve financial operations.

“Neil has done an outstanding job as Bally’s CAO, where he successfully led a number of initiatives to enhance management reporting, reduce costs, improve external reporting, and enhance our investor confidence,” said Richard M. Haddrill, Bally’s CEO. “Neil has been a key team member in driving operating margins and a strong balance sheet, and he has certainly earned this expanded role and promotion.”

Prior to joining Bally, Davidson served as vice president of finance for Multimedia Games.

“I’m honored to have worked under Robert and assume the role of Bally’s CFO at such an exciting time in our company’s 78-year history,” Davidson said. “Our games and systems product portfolio has never been richer and more cutting-edge, and there is a tremendous amount of innovation currently under development. In addition, we are continuing to grow and expand into new markets, both in North America and globally, which provides tremendous opportunities for long-term growth.”

Caller joined Bally in April 2006 under a three-and-a-half year arrangement after a 30-year career with Ernst & Young. He agreed to extend the arrangement through fiscal 2010 to allow for this planned succession. Caller will continue to assist the company under a long-term consulting agreement and will play an active advisory role to support Davidson’s transition.        

“Robert’s leadership was crucial in restoring financial confidence in Bally during a critical time in our history,” Haddrill said. “In addition to directing significant improvements to our internal infrastructure, he also focused on building a great team and ensuring an appropriate internal succession plan. This finance team includes Neil as well as Christine Taylor, our vice president and corporate controller, and Mike Carlotti, our vice president of treasury and investor relations. Robert has been a friend and business advisor for 21 years, and I fully expect that relationship with me and his Bally family to continue.”

By Staff