Hector Fernandes has stepped down as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, the land-based division of the Australian gaming giant.
Fernandez’s departure marks the end of a six-year tenure at the firm, during which he held several key positions: CFO of the Americas business unit, and CEO of Aristocrat Gaming.
At the same time, Apollo announced the appointment of Fernandes to a similar role for its new gaming product.
In July, Apollo Global Management acquired IGT’s gaming and digital businesses, as well as gambling machine company Everi, for $6.3 billion.
Craig Toner, who previously served as CFO and EVP, has been appointed as Fernandes’ successor and will take up the role immediately.
Craig Toner has been with Aristocrat for over seven years and has held senior positions in both Australia and the US.
He began his career in the Sydney branch before moving to Las Vegas. Prior to joining Aristocrat, Toner worked at Lion, one of the largest beverage companies in Australia and New Zealand, holding senior roles in strategy, operations and commercial management.
Aristocrat CEO and managing director Trevor Croker expressed confidence in Toner’s leadership abilities:
“Craig has been a key part of the global Aristocrat Gaming leadership team that has delivered strong growth and transformational change over recent years.
He has also worked closely with our board and executive steering committee on a number of major strategic and operational priorities.
Craig is people oriented, highly collaborative and impactful. We are delighted to be able to elevate a proven and capable leader of Craig’s calibre to this role, demonstrating again the depth of talent we have built at Aristocrat.
Aristocrat Gaming today is a global team with extraordinary resilience, depth and momentum, and I have every confidence that Craig will continue to build on this going forward, with the support of the many talented leaders across our global business,” he said.
Crocker also highlighted Toner’s ability to deliver a seamless transition and continue to execute on the company’s strategic plans.
“We thank Hector sincerely for his commitment and recognise his contribution to our business over the last six years.
Aristocrat Gaming is a global team with extraordinary resilience, depth and momentum, and I am confident that Craig will continue to build on this momentum, supported by many talented leaders across the global business.
We sincerely thank Hector for his commitment and acknowledge his contribution to our business over the last six years,” added Crocker.
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