CEO of iGaming
Light & Wonder
Simon Johnson is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience across corporate leadership, investment banking, telecommunications, and financial technology. During his tenure with Light & Wonder, Johnson has taken on new roles with increasing responsibility, ultimately leading to the announcement made in January 2025 that he has been appointed CEO of the company’s iGaming division.
As Group Commercial Director at Light & Wonder, Simon restructured sales and product teams and established new hardware markets. Through the years, his leadership played a crucial part in navigating the post-COVID recovery, driving sales growth, and setting strategic directions for the company’s international operations.
Simon was appointed as the CEO of Light & Wonder’s iGaming division in January 2025.
With experience spanning both established corporations and startups, Simon has had a broad-spanning career marked by a consistent ability to drive growth across a range of industries and regions.
Simon Johnson was educated at Oxford University and graduated in 1997 with a Master of Arts (M.A.).
He began his professional journey in 1997 with ING Barings, where he worked on mergers and acquisitions in both developed and emerging markets.
From there, Simon joined Blenheim Chalcot in 2000 as VP of Corporate Development. Here, he managed a portfolio of technology and media investments, notably raising $80 million in external funding.
Simon was instrumental in creating Agilisys, a BPO business that achieved a turnover exceeding $100 million. His role involved reorganising the investment portfolio, raising external capital, and advising technology and media businesses. He departed in 2005.
The same year, Simon Johnson took on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at The Rights Company. In this position, he increased revenue from $500,000 to over $4 million and professionalized the company’s operations. His initiatives ultimately led to a successful sale to a major US entertainment company.
Subsequently, in 2006, Simon took a role at Cable & Wireless, working directly with the Chairman and CEO on mergers and acquisitions, including the $400 million THUS acquisition.
In 2009, Simon served as Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer at DST Global Solutions (now SS&C). Here, he led a significant business turnaround, improving profitability from -$50 million to $15 million over five years.
As part of this role, Johnson was responsible for leading global teams, with his leadership extending across EMEA, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region.
He left this role in 2014 to begin a new venture, founding Simon Johnson & Co, which provides strategic advisory services to senior management teams on fundraising and operational enhancements.
Simon’s tenure at Light & Wonder began in 2017 as Group Commercial Director. Over the years, he took on increasing responsibilities within Light & Wonder, first serving as Interim MD of the UK (2020-2021), then as Senior Vice President & Managing Director of EMEA (2021-2022).
Following his success, Simon was appointed Senior Vice President & International Managing Director at Light and Wonder in 2022 – a role that saw him overseeing the company’s EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.
Throughout his career, Simon has developed his expertise in strategy definition and execution, particularly in delivering sales growth and managing complex transformations.
His track record includes successfully overseeing multi-million-dollar operations, implementing growth plans, and leading international teams.
In January 2025, Simon Johnson was appointed as the CEO of Light & Wonder’s iGaming division. This new role positions him to lead the company’s digital gaming initiatives, reporting directly to President and CEO Matt Wilson as part of the Executive Leadership Team. Regarding his appointment to this role, Simon posted the following:
I am excited to share that I have stepped into the role of CEO, iGaming at Light & Wonder. As we embark on a new year, I am energised by the opportunities ahead and eager to work with our incredibly talented iGaming team across the world.
Simon Johnson
A: Simon Johnson is an experienced and capable business leader, having previously had tremendous success at ING Barings, Cable & Wireless, and DST Global Solutions.
A: Simon Johnson began his association with Light & Wonder in 2017, but he was appointed CEO in January 2025.
A: Simon has extensive experience in large corporations and multinational companies. He has held a string of senior roles, including that of Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, and is a true business leader. He is exceptionally skilled in business development and leading companies into new and emerging markets.
A: In his time as CEO of Light & Wonder, Simon has been responsible for driving international commercial strategy across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas. He has also overseen the company’s expansion into regulated markets worldwide and strengthened the content-led growth model.
A: Simon Johnson was appointed CEO of the iGaming business in January 2025, a role that places him in charge of the company’s global online gaming strategy and operations. This makes him a full member of the executive leadership team.
