Slot and payment solution supplier Everi Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of veteran gaming equipment supplier executive Dean Ehrlich as executive vice president and games business leader. Ehrlich, who will report directly to Everi President and CEO Michael Rumbolz, has served as a consultant to the company since August .
As executive vice president and games business leader, Ehrlich has direct responsibilities for the company’s games business, including oversight of the game development studios located in Austin, Chicago and Reno; manufacturing and assembly; and Everi’s gaming operations, including the New York Lottery central system operation.
He assumes these responsibilities from David Lucchese, who was recently appointed the company’s executive vice president, digital and interactive business leader, a new position.
Ehrlich joins Everi following his time at Scientific Games Corporation, which included service at WMS Industries, Inc. prior to its acquisition by Scientific Games in October 2013. From 2003 to July 2015, he held various senior management positions including senior vice president of global gaming operations, where he led an annual $675 million business for premium lease products; VP of sales, North America, where he led commercial sales operations responsible for over $500 million in annual revenue generated from product sales, gaming operations and game conversions; and executive director of product management and strategy, where he led the development of WMS’ wide-area progressive strategic initiatives.
Prior to his time at Scientific Games/WMS, Ehrlich was with International Game Technology from 1994 to 2003, which includes his time with Anchor Gaming, Inc. from 1994 through its acquisition by IGT in 2002. His time at IGT/Anchor included serving as general manager of the Proprietary Games Division and director of product marketing: IGT MegaJackpots.
“Dean enhances the depth of our games management team, as he is a proven leader with significant expertise and experience in the gaming industry,” said Rumbolz. “Throughout his more than 20 years in the industry, Dean has demonstrated a track record of success in driving gaming equipment sales, fostering innovative product development initiatives in a variety of areas including wide-area progressive products, and optimizing manufacturing and supply chain operations. We expect Dean’s strong management skills along with his extensive gaming industry experience, relationships and knowledge of our customer base will be instrumental in helping us to further execute on our goal to grow the sales and profitability of our Games business.
“The addition of Dean to the management team also provides an opportunity for us to expand our focus on our digital and interactive business. Dave Lucchese brings extensive gaming industry knowledge as well as product and development expertise that will enable us to establish the strategic vision for our digital and interactive business as we seek to further leverage our gaming content expertise across new distribution channels.”
“Having worked closely with Mike and many other members of the Everi team over the last five months, including at the G2E trade show last September, I know this is an exciting time to join the company,” said Ehrlich. “Customer reaction to our newest products which premiered at G2E was very favorable, and we have an excellent product development roadmap in place that we expect will help grow our business. In addition, significant progress has been made in refining processes and operating practices throughout our games segment, which is already benefiting our game development, manufacturing and sales initiatives.
“By partnering with both our employees and our customers, I look forward to achieving our growth initiatives across the games business and becoming a premier electronic gaming machine supplier of choice.”
