Light & Wonder promotes from within for new igaming CEO
International managing director Simon Johnson steps up to lead the division, eight years after first joining the supplier
Light & Wonder has appointed Simon Johnson as the company’s new CEO of its igaming division.
He will succeed Dylan Slaney in the role, who stepped down from his position back in November 2024.
Johnson will report into Light & Wonder group CEO Matt Wilson and will form part of the company’s executive leadership team.
Johnson initially joined the supplier in April 2017, when the company was operating under its previous name of Scientific Games before its 2022 rebranding following the divestment of its lottery arm.
He spent three years as group commercial director from April 2017 to March 2020, before moving to the role of interim managing director for the UK division until January 2021.
Then, he was named senior vice-president and managing director for EMEA before being named international managing director for EMEA and Asia Pacific in September 2022.
Prior to joining Light & Wonder, Johnson held C-suite roles at various companies.
He served as chief commercial officer at media firm The Rights Company from January 2005 to August 2006.
He also held the title of chief commercial and strategy officer at DST Global Solutions from May 2009 to March 2014.
A Light and Wonder statement read: “We’re excited to announce that Simon Johnson has been appointed CEO of our igaming business.
“Since joining Light & Wonder in 2017, Simon has been instrumental in driving the international commercial efforts of the gaming business.
“In his new role, he will bring his extensive industry expertise to lead igaming into its next chapter. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead.”
Johnson added: “I am excited to share that I have stepped into the role of CEO for igaming at Light & Wonder.
“As we embark on a new year, I am energised by the opportunities ahead and eager to work with our incredibly talented igaming team across the world.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.