Aristocrat Gaming head departs to become IGT/Everi CEO

Former Aristocrat Gaming boss Hector Fernandez has been appointed to lead the combined ITG and Everi organisation as CEO once the transaction completes late next year.

Fernandez will start his role in Q4 2025 due to a non-compete period, bringing his six-year stay at Aristocrat to an end, two years of which were spent as CEO of the firm’s gaming arm following his appointment in 2022. 

The combined IGT and Everi business will be operated by Apollo Global Management, after the private firm secured an all-cash transaction in the summer that values both companies at a combined $6.3bn. 

The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025 and will bring IGT’s gaming and digital business and Everi under one holding company.

Until Fernandez’s tenure begins, Nick Khin will serve as interim CEO, before shifting to CEO of gaming when the ex-Aristocrat chief joins the merged business.

Khin is the current president of global gaming at IGT.

Gil Rotem, the current president of IGT PlayDigital, will guide the digital arm of the business as CEO, while Darren Simmons, Everi’s executive vice-president (EVP), will become CEO of fintech for the combined company. 

Addressing his appointment, Fernandez said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this journey with IGT Gaming and Everi.  

“I look forward to partnering with the very talented teams at both companies, as well as the Apollo team leading the transaction.” 

Daniel Cohen, Apollo partner, added: “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.  

“Hector shares our vision to lead this talented global workforce and will foster a people-first culture across the combined enterprise.” 

Prior to his six-year spell with Aristocrat, which also included eight months as CFO of the company’s Americas segment, Fernandez oversaw Western Digital’s strategy, pricing and planning as senior director. 

Aristocrat announced the exit of Fernandez just hours before he was unveiled as the future CEO of IGT/Everi, with the supplier naming Craig Toner as his immediate successor. 

Toner previously served as Aristocrat’s CFO and EVP of operations and will make the step up in Fernandez’s absence.  

He has been at the supplier for seven yeas, starting in Australia before relocating to the company’s Las Vegas offices in 2021 upon his appointment as CFO. 

Aristocrat CEO and managing director Trevor Croker said: “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.” 

Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.