April continues to shape up as a busy month for the U.S. commercial gaming industry.
SBC Americas is detailing the latest workforce and leadership changes for key stakeholders in gaming. The personnel changes directly impact how business is conducted throughout the industry, and how companies develop and execute their strategies.
Each week, we’ll detail the latest hires, exits and promotions.
LVCVA adds new member to board
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) added Boyd Gaming Vice President Steve Schutte to its board. Schutte is replacing Steve Thompson, who worked with Schutte at Boyd as a chief administrative officer before his retirement last month.
Schutte brings a wealth of experience in the gaming industry to the LVCVA as its newest member of the board. Before joining Boyd in 2014, the Purdue graduate spent time at Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park (now MGM Northfield Park) as a senior vice president of operations. He also had an eight-year stint at Station Casinos.
Schutte also worked for Caesars Entertainment as an executive vice president and general manager. He spent nearly four years working for the entertainment giant.
NGC adds new commissioner
The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) added a new member after Gov. Joe Lombardo confirmed the appointment of veteran attorney Richard Schonfeld.
“Richard Schonfeld brings decades of legal experience and a strong understanding of Nevada’s business community to this role,” said Lombardo.
“I am confident he will be a valuable addition to the Nevada Gaming Commission as it continues its important work safeguarding the integrity of our gaming industry”.
Schonfield will join the commission on April 29, replacing Rosa Solis-Rainey, who is relinquishing her role with the regulator. Schonfield joins the NGC with an extensive legal background that includes serving as a partner for law firm Chesnoff & Schonfeld.
He has represented high-profile athletes, including the NFL’s Alvin Kamara. He also represented former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III.
Genius Sports awards promotion
Genius Sports initiated a promotion, elevating Harry Lennard to director of officiating operations. Lennard joined Genius Sports in 2024, previously serving as the company’s head of officiating before his promotion this week.
“I’m pleased to share that I’ve been appointed director of officiating operations at Genius Sports, leading the end-to-end delivery of officiating technology across global competitions; an exciting next step as we continue to scale globally,” said Lennard in a LinkedIn post.
Lennard is leveraging his officiating expertise to bolster Genius Sports’ operations, with a background in officiating for FIFA and as a national list and select group assistant referee for British refereeing body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited.
Naftali, Aristocrat part ways
Aristocrat made changes to its leadership team, with Gabby Naftali no longer serving as the company’s senior vice president of product. Naftali held the role for nearly three years.
“After 16 incredible years, I’ve come to the end of my chapter at NeoGames and Aristocrat,” said Naftali. “What started as a technical product role became a long journey of growth—both personally and professionally—alongside an exceptional group of people who truly felt like family”.
Naftali became an Aristocrat employee following the company’s acquisition of NeoGames in 2024 in a deal valued at roughly $1.2bn. At NeoGames, Naftali held various roles, including executive vice president of product and a platform product director.
He joined NeoGames in 2010 with an extensive background in software engineering.
Mohegan bolsters executive team
Mohegan appointed Joe Soper as vice president of sports and entertainment. In his role, Soper will lead Mohegan’s entertainment strategy for its entire portfolio of properties.
“Joe Soper is a proven leader with invaluable insight and expertise not only as it applies to Mohegan Sun’s Sports & Entertainment, but as it applies throughout our entire enterprise and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to lead one of the most dynamic areas of our business,” said Mohegan Chief Marketing Officer David Martinelli.
“His dedication and experience will prove integral to the continued momentum in elevating the future of live entertainment at Mohegan Sun”.
Soper has experience working with Mohegan as a former member of the Mohegan Tribal Council. In addition to executing the company’s entertainment strategy, Soper will be responsible for fostering partnerships for Mohegan and its portfolio of events.
