IGT ushers in new leadership era with incoming CEO Hector Fernandez

International Game Technology (IGT) has announced that Hector Fernandez has officially joined the company as its new Chief Executive Officer, as previously communicated to the market. Based in Las Vegas (home to IGT’s global headquarters), Fernandez will lead the next phase of the company’s growth and innovation.

According to IGT, Fernandez brings a strong track record in both gaming and technology, having most recently served as CEO of one of IGT’s global competitors. Throughout his career he has held leadership roles in strategic initiatives aimed at driving market share, revenue growth and profitability.

“I’m honored and excited to lead IGT into its next chapter,” said Hector Fernandez. “This is a company with strong talent, deep industry relationships, and significant potential. As we bring together the legacy IGT and Everi teams, in partnership with Apollo, we have an opportunity to evolve how we operate, innovate, and deliver for our customers. I’m looking forward to working with our teams around the world to define what’s next for IGT.”

Apollo backs integrated leadership team

Daniel Cohen, Partner at Apollo and Chair of IGT’s Board of Directors, underlined the private equity firm’s support for the new CEO and the combined enterprise that brings together legacy IGT Gaming & Digital and Everi.

“Led by Hector and a talented team of leaders from across the legacy IGT Gaming & Digital and Everi businesses, as well as key new hires from inside and outside the industry, we believe the combined enterprise will accelerate growth, enhance product and content innovation, and become an even stronger partner to its customers,” said Cohen.

He also highlighted Fernandez’s focus on people: “Hector shares our commitment to fostering a high-performing, people-first culture, and we are confident he will lead this team to new heights.”

Nick Khin transitions to strategic advisor

IGT also confirmed that Nick Khin, who had been serving as interim enterprise CEO and CEO of the Gaming business unit, will step down from his current position and move into a new role as strategic advisor to the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors.

“Nick has contributed greatly to IGT’s progress over the past twelve years,” said Fernandez. “His leadership through this transition period has been invaluable to the organization, and I want to thank him for his dedication and impact. We appreciate his continued guidance as we move into this next chapter.”

Business unit leadership structure

Following receipt of the required regulatory approvals, Fernandez will assume the role of CEO of the combined enterprise and will oversee the Gaming business unit.

The company also confirmed that:

1. IGT’s Digital business unit will continue to be led by Gil Rotem.
2. IGT’s FinTech business unit will continue to be led by Darren Simmons.

With the new leadership in place and the integration with Everi supported by Apollo, IGT positions itself to pursue its next phase of expansion and product innovation across land-based gaming, digital gaming and fintech solutions for the global gambling industry.