Aruze Gaming America, Inc. and Aruze Gaming Ltd. (Hong Kong)
announced that Takahiro Usui has notified the board of his intention to resign as chairman of the board and CEO effective June 30, citing personal reasons.
During Usui’s 14-year tenure at Aruze, he played an instrumental role in maintaining and advancing the company’s position and reputation as a leading innovator in the gaming industry. “The Aruze Board of Directors collectively would like to thank Takahiro for his incredible efforts and accomplishments while at Aruze, and we wish him well in all his future endeavors,” said Rich Pennington, vice chairman of the board. “Each of us on the Board of Directors, as well as many within the company, look forward to a continued personal relationship with him, as he is a great friend to all of us.”
Additionally, Aruze’s board of directors announced the promotion of Masumi Fujisawa, Aruze’s current vice president of product development, to the position of chairman of the board and chief technology officer.
“This promotion reflects the company’s belief that success in the gaming industry is driven by distinctive products that outperform those of the competition,” stated Rob Ziems, president, Global Chief Legal Office, secretary, and board member. “Masumi’s leadership and product innovation contributions to Aruze have resulted in Aruze winning top slot product awards as well as having four of the top 25 performing games in a recent game performance analysis in a US publication. His continued leadership in the new roles will ensure the company continues to excel in the global gaming marketplace.”
Aruze also announced the promotion of Group CFO/CSO Yugo Kinoshita to the position of chief executive officer. Kinoshita will remain a member of the board.
Kinoshita, a proven executive in the gaming industry, has been with Aruze since 2012, serving as senior vice president of corporate strategy and group COO. Prior to working with Aruze, Kinoshita worked with organizations such as Nike Japan and Albirex Singapore, Pte. Ltd.
Kinoshita brings a strong background in marketing and product management, and earned an MBA in management from Babson College. “It is with great honor that I accept the role of Aruze’s new chief executive officer,” he said. “I am excited for the future of the company and look forward to continuing the momentum of success that the organization is currently experiencing.”
Finally, Hiromi Okada was named a member of the Aruze board. “We are pleased Ms. Okada has accepted a position on the board of directors,” said Fujisawa. “She will add a fresh perspective and balance that every board needs to stay in front of the innovation curve.”
