The former CEO of Aristocrat Gaming is joining IGT to lead the company after it underwent a rebrand and completed a major transaction.
IGT announced the official appointment of Hector Fernandez as CEO to guide the company in its new phase of operations as a global gaming giant. Fernandez joined IGT after spending over five years at Aristocrat, serving as CFO of Americas before his eventual role as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming. Fernandez has also held leadership roles at computer hardware manufacturing company Western Digital and biotechnology company Amgen.
Fernandez is replacing Nick Khin, who relinquished his role as interim enterprise CEO. Khin, who was also CEO of IGT’s Gaming segment, will transition into an advisory role. Fernandez will assume both the roles at IGT that were previously held by Khin.
“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.”
IGT makes major operational changes
Last year, IGT reached a deal with Apollo Global Management to sell its Gaming and Digital business and Everi to the investment firm in an all-cash deal valued at $6.3 billion.
In 2024, IGT reached a deal to combine its Gaming and Digital segments with Everi.
IGT later separated the business segments through a taxable spin-off to shareholders before its transaction with Apollo. The firm completed the acquisition through a holding company and transitioned IGT Gaming and Everi into a privately owned company.
IGT also rebranded its global lottery business to Brightstar Lottery, serving as a lottery provider and game developer for lottery providers around the world. Brightstar provides lottery technology to 26 of America’s 46 regulated lottery jurisdictions.
