Light & Wonder names permanent CEO and new CEO of gaming

Light & Wonder has announced that Matt Wilson will become its permanent CEO and president, following just over a month as interim CEO. Wilson will also take up a position on the firm’s board of directors.

Wilson was named interim CEO on 31 August, following the departure of Barry Cottle.

Before taking up the position, Wilson was CEO of the company’s gaming business for the last two-and-a-half years. Before that, he spent nearly 16 years with fellow supplier Aristocrat, holding positions including president and MD of its Americas arm and senior VP of global gaming operations.

Jamie Odell, executive chair of the Light & Wonder board, commented: “The board of directors unanimously determined that Matt is the right choice to lead Light & Wonder’s next chapter given his impressive track record, extensive industry experience and his pivotal role in transforming our business.”

Wilson said on his shift to permanent CEO: “I am honoured that the board has put their trust in me to lead Light & Wonder as we work to capture the incredible opportunities ahead. I am excited to work with the best team in the business as we chart our cross-platform future.”

Alongside the announcement, Light & Wonder has named senior VP and CCO of Gaming Siobhan Lane as its new CEO of Gaming.

On Lane’s appointment, Wilson said: “I am very pleased to announce Siobhan Lane’s appointment as our Gaming CEO. Siobhan has played a pivotal role in helping me lead the Gaming business since joining the company in 2020, and her strong leadership and depth of experience have helped drive our success.”

Elsewhere, Light & Wonder announced last week that it had acquired loyalty and marketing software and technology provider House Advantage Assets in a cash transaction. In connection with the deal, the supplier named House Advantage Assets’ founder and CEO Jon Wolfe as SVP and president of global systems and services.