Australian slot manufacturing giant Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. announced major changes in its leadership with respect to products for all its land-based global markets, creating a new global CEO, land based position and new leadership in the Americas.
Mitchell Bowen has been appointed to the newly created position of global CEO, land based, responsible for all of Aristocrat’s regulated gaming businesses worldwide, while Hector Fernandez, CFO, Americas, has been promoted to president, Aristocrat Americas, reporting directly to Bowen. Fernandez assumes the role vacated earlier this year by former Managing Director-Americas Matt Wilson.
The appointments are effective immediately, subject to any necessary regulatory approvals.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to elevate a leader of Hector’s caliber to lead our Americas land based business,” said Aristocrat Group Ltd. CEO & President Trevor Croker.
“Hector is a seasoned commercial leader with a track record of building high performing teams and delivering outstanding results. He has a deep understanding of Aristocrat’s Americas business, and has played an instrumental role in developing the region’s growth strategy and supporting its execution since joining the team last year.”
“Hector will be well supported by Mitchell Bowen, as well as our talented Americas leadership group and the broader team of over 1,500 employees in the region who have established our market leadership in recent years. Hector’s appointment will ensure the Americas team remains fully focused on maintaining momentum in our largest market, and executing our ambitious growth and transformation plans.”
“I’m honored and excited to take on the role of president, Americas at Aristocrat,” said Fernandez. “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues and our valued customers to extend our leadership position in this region by delivering more choice, performance, service and quality than ever before.
“I believe that Aristocrat has the very best game design and technical talent in the industry, with an outstanding team of passionate customer and commercial leaders. My focus will be on unlocking the full potential of our people, products and growing capabilities to ensure Aristocrat Americas can take the next step forward in its growth story.”
Of the leadership restructuring, Croker said, “The creation of a single global land-based business is the right step to take at this time. It will facilitate thorough and coordinated delivery of transformation and growth projects across our regional teams, along with more integrated product and technology strategy and seamless execution. Bringing together our land-based operations also positions us to more effectively serve an increasing number of global customers and sets the business up for its next phase of growth.
“Mitchell Bowen is a first-class and deeply respected global gaming leader. He has more than 15 years’ experience across senior marketing product, commercial and transformation roles at Aristocrat in all major gaming regions. Mitchell spent several years in the Americas, leading marketing and product functions, and worked closely with me in leading in the turnaround of the Australia & New Zealand business. Mitch currently has commercial and operational accountability for Aristocrat’s land-based business across the balance of the globe.
“Mitchell has deep and longstanding customer relationships, and has played a core role in thought leadership and in execution of Aristocrat’s growth strategy over the past several years. I’m thrilled to elevate Mitchell to the role of CEO, land based and look forward to his expanded contribution.”
