Key points:
- Fernandez will become the CEO of the combined businesses, shortly after the announcement that he is leaving Aristocrat Gaming
- Nick Khin will serve as Interim CEO for the time being
- Gil Rotem and Darren Simmons will also take up new roles
Shortly after Aristocrat Gaming announced Hector Fernandez’s resignation from the company, it has been revealed that he will lead the merged ITG/Everi organisation.
Joining in the fourth quarter of 2025, Fernandez is set to take on the position of CEO of the supplier, which entails the combined enterprise of IGT’s Gaming and Digital business with Everi.
Fernandez joins from Aristocrat Gaming, where he served as CEO since 2022, having first joined Aristocrat in 2018.
This comes after Everi’s stockholders last month voted in favour of a merger with Apollo Funds, which also includes the expected acquisition of IGT’s Gaming and Digital business.
With this, Fernandez will become CEO in the fourth quarter of next year, while Nick Khin will serve as Interim CEO for the time being before becoming CEO of Gaming.
The current President of IGT PlayDigital Gil Rotem will become the CEO of Digital, while Darren Simmons, the current EVP and FinTech Business Leader of Everi will become CEO of FinTech.
Apollo Partner Daniel Cohen said: “We’re thrilled to name Hector Fernandez as the future CEO of the combined enterprise. As we look to position IGT Gaming and Everi as a premier, diversified customer-centric platform at the forefront of innovation in the gaming and fintech industries, Hector brings an impressive track record of successfully scaling operations and strengthening customer relationships while being a champion for strong values.
Good to know: Apollo Funds acquisition of IGT's Gaming and Digital business, as well as Everi, was valued at approximately $6.3bn altogether in an all-cash transaction
“Hector shares our vision to lead this talented global workforce and will foster a people-first culture across the combined enterprise. We’re excited for Nick to take on the additional responsibility of Interim CEO upon closing of the acquisitions and are confident he will succeed in his role of leading the land-based gaming businesses of the combined enterprise once Hector officially joins.
“Under Nick’s leadership, IGT has meaningfully improved its industry position and continues to release top performing games across channels. We believe his deep understanding of customers and players, as well as his leadership and passion, will help set the foundation for future success.
“We are also pleased to have leaders of Gil’s and Darren’s caliber from both companies ready to take on key leadership roles in the combined enterprise.”
