Gaming supplier Scientific Games Corporation has hired Jamie Odell, the former longtime CEO of rival slot-maker Aristocrat Leisure Limited, as “Special Advisor to the Chairman and CEO.”
Odell, who transformed Aristocrat’s fortunes as head of that company from 2009 to 2017, will advise Scientific Games Board Chairman and MacAndrews & Forbes Chairman and CEO Ronald O. Perelman on gaming industry trends and market innovations. In addition, Odell will work with company CEO Barry Cottle to support current growth strategies across the company.
During Odell’s tenure as CEO, Aristocrat’s market capitalization grew from $1.3 billion to approximately $7.5 billion. Prior to joining Aristocrat, he held senior executive roles in the global beverage industry.
“I have known and watched Jamie’s success for years, and I am so glad he has agreed to join us in this new role,” said Perelman. “Scientific Games has done an incredible job building products and services that our customers and players love. The addition of Jamie will significantly enhance our ability to reach new players and markets as well as drive growth across the company.”
“We are thrilled that Jamie will be advising our leadership and our team,” said Cottle. “We have long admired and respected his success and leadership in our industry, and his advice and support will be invaluable as we continue to execute our growth strategies. Jamie is known the world over as an executive with a proven track record of success and a gaming expert who has driven market-leading innovation and player engagement strategies for more than a decade.”
“I am very excited to work with Ronald and Barry at this transformational moment for our industry,” Odell said. “It’s an absolute honor to be asked by Ronald to provide advice, and since spending time with Barry I’ve come to recognize that we share common values and beliefs about how to build great businesses, which I’m looking forward to delivering with him.
“Scientific Games has an outstanding leadership team that is committed to driving our industry into the future, and I will do everything I can to support their current strategies.”
