David Robbins new board chairman
Two years after Richard Haddrill completed eight years as president and CEO and of diversified gaming supplier Bally Technologies, assuming the role of chairman and handing the CEO reins to former system chief Ramesh Srinivasan, Bally announced that Haddrill is returning to his CEO role.
The announcement, released as GGBN went to press, said Haddrill will retain a position on the board. David Robbins, who has been serving as the board’s lead independent director, has been appointed chairman, effective May 23. Robbins also served as Bally’s board chairman from 1997 to 2010.
Concerning Srinivasan, the announcement said only that he will no longer serve as president and CEO of the supplier, or as a member of the board of directors. It did not say specifically that Srinivasan is leaving the company, although statements from all top executives—including Srinivasan—indicate that he is leaving after nine years with the company.
Haddrill has served as a member of Bally’s board since 2003 and as board chairman since 2012. He was the company’s CEO from 2004 to 2012.
“The board would like to thank Ramesh for his many years of service to Bally and for his leadership in guiding the company through the acquisition and integration of SHFL entertainment, as well as his exemplary execution in developing Bally’s systems business,” said Robbins. “Dick’s depth of knowledge about our company and our industry is unparalleled. As a result of his many years of being Bally’s CEO, a director and chairman of the board, as well as CEO of two other successful public companies, we believe that he is uniquely qualified to lead Bally through its next era of growth.
“We are confident that Dick, together with our executive management team, will ensure a seamless transition and execute our strategy of continuing to grow Bally into the leading provider of technology-based products and services to the global gaming industry.”
“I believe that the opportunities we have ahead of us in the coming months are truly exceptional,” Haddrill said. “I am very excited to return to the leadership of Bally and to begin focusing on our many worldwide growth strategies.”
“I am very proud of our wonderful team and what we have accomplished together during the past nine years at Bally,” Srinivasan said. “I am confident that that the company is extremely well positioned to build on some fantastic opportunities.”
The board additionally announced the appointment of Michael A. Klayko as a Class II member, effective July 1. Klayko served as the chief executive officer of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. a developer and manufacturer of networking products and solutions headquartered in San Jose, California, from 2005 to 2013.
Klayko’s experience includes leadership roles with other technology companies, including president and CEO of Rhapsody Networks from 2001 to 2003. Additionally, he has worked in various management and executive roles for EMC, Hewlett Packard and IBM.
“We believe that Klayko’s significant experience in technology leadership will bring a distinct and valuable perspective to the board,” Robbins said. “I look forward to working with him as we move forward in this next phase of leadership of Bally.”
