Penn National Gaming, Inc. announced the appointment of David Williams as executive vice president and chief financial officer effective March 3, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Williams, who joins Penn National following more than 20 years as a finance executive at Apple Inc., succeeds William (B.J.) Fair, who announced his resignation in September. Williams will report directly to Penn National Chief Executive Officer Jay Snowden.
In his new role at Penn National, Williams will be responsible for all of the company’s financial and treasury functions, as well as helping to develop and support the company’s strategic growth initiatives, including its burgeoning iGaming and sports betting businesses.
Since 2012, Williams has served as CFO and controller of Apple Inc.’s Claris division (formally known as FileMaker). Claris is Apple’s B2B software subsidiary, which provides the leading platform for developing custom apps that are deployed on premise or in the cloud by businesses worldwide.
“Dave brings extensive technology, financial, and strategic growth experience to his new role,” said Snowden. “His background will be an invaluable asset to our senior management team, finance and accounting departments and board of directors as we continue to evolve from the nation’s largest regional gaming operator, with 41 properties in 19 states, to a best-in-class omni-channel provider of retail and online gaming and sports betting entertainment.”
As CFO of Claris, Williams was responsible for all aspects of the division’s finance and strategic planning, which helped Claris achieve consistent growth and profitability. In addition, Williams managed the division’s information systems and operations functions and played a key role in transitioning Claris from a packaged Macintosh software company to a cross-platform, multi-channel, subscription-based cloud business model. Williams joined Apple Inc.’s AppleSoft division in 1995 and worked on the AppleSoft integration into Claris later that year.
“I am very impressed by Penn National’s strategic vision and look forward to taking part in the company’s ongoing growth story,” said Williams, “which focuses heavily on my expertise in the interactive space. I look forward to working with Jay, the corporate and property management teams and the Board of Directors to achieve our strategic and financial goals.”
Snowden added, “Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to B.J. for his many contributions to Penn National’s success over the last five years and for helping to ensure that this CFO transition will be managed seamlessly and efficiently. On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at Penn National, we wish B.J. the very best in all of his future endeavors.”
