Global gaming giant International Game Technology (IGT) has revealed a significant shift in its leadership structure. This follows the retirement of its presiding officer and the appointment of former Univision Communication head honcho Vincent Sadusky as the company’s chief executive.
Sala assumes the role of chairman, while TV veteran Sadusky takes the reins as CEO in a major shakeup at IGT.
This news comes after the announcement of the retirement of current chairman Lorenzo Pellicioli and the elevation of current CEO Marco Sala to executive chairman to succeed him.
Pellicioli took the helm as chairman of the IGT board in November 2018, having previously held the position of vice chairman since April 2015 and earlier as a member of the Lottomatica board.
During his time in charge, he oversaw a comprehensive restructuring of IGT’s operations, which were divided into two distinct units: Global Lottery and Global Gaming. This restructuring also included the decision to divest its Lottomatica B2C business last year.
With Pellicioli’s departure, Sala steps into the role of executive chairman. He was named CEO of IGT in April 2015, when the Gtech company he previously led merged with the established International Game Technology.
“The adjustments within the IGT management team and board represent a crucial step in preparing the company for its next phase of growth,” Pellicioli remarked.
IGT has further solidified its capacity to carry out its long-term plan and value-generating projects identified at the company’s recent investor gathering.
Marco’s leadership of the IGT board is a natural advancement. More significantly, he has a proven track record over his 19 years at IGT and its previous entities, earning the confidence and respect of IGT clients, shareholders, business associates, and regulatory bodies.
As Executive Chairman, Marco will concentrate on managing the board, corporate governance (including sustainability programs), and guiding IGT’s strategic path.
Sara’s nomination as Chair will be presented at the IGT Board meeting in June 2022.
Vincent Sadusky, a seasoned television executive, will take over from Sara as CEO, most recently holding the same position at Univision Communications. Sadusky also served as CEO of local television companies Media General and LIN Media.
“We are delighted to announce that Vincent Sadusky, a seasoned executive, current member of the IGT Board and its predecessor company boards, and former Chair of our Audit Committee, will succeed Marco as CEO,” stated Pelisoli.
“Vincent brings a unique set of skills to the role, combining his understanding of IGT with decades of experience generating shareholder value in leadership roles at both public and private companies in dynamic industries, including digital and media.”
The shift to the chief executive officer position will be seamless, he stated.
Sara is eager to collaborate with Sadasky.
“I am looking forward to my new position as Executive Chairman of IGT and working with Vince, who has been a close associate for many years, to guide IGT forward,” he mentioned. “Our abilities and expertise complement each other and will benefit our investors.
“Vince’s extensive experience in portfolio businesses and financial markets will be invaluable as we implement our strategy.”
Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter will join the IGT board as non-executive directors. Pinelli will assume the role of chairman of IGT’s audit committee from Sadasky, while Hunter will also join the board’s nomination and corporate governance committee.
“We are delighted to welcome Maria and Ashley to our board. They bring a wealth of diverse professional experience to IGT, strengthening the composition of our board. We anticipate their contributions,” Pelisoli stated.
IGT has made several other personnel changes in recent months. In November, the supplier appointed Gil Roth, formerly of Bet365 and 888, as its new internet gaming president. The previous month, it selected Joe Asher, formerly CEO of William Hill US, as its new sports betting president.
In the third quarter of 2021, IGT reported growth across all business segments and product types, with total revenue increasing 20.6% to $984 million.
Consequently, the firm has increased its annual revenue projections to four point one billion dollars.
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