GGRAsia – Aristocrat Asia veteran Matt Wilson to head Americas unit

Aristocrat Asia veteran Matt Wilson to head Americas unit

Feb 22, 2017 Newsdesk Industry Talk, Latest News, Top of the deck

Australia-based slot machine maker Aristocrat Leisure Ltd has appointed Matt Wilson as managing director – Americas, the firm announced in a Tuesday press release.

Mr Wilson (pictured) oversaw Aristocrat’s expansion in the Asia Pacific region as the head of the group’s sales team between 2008 and 2012. Following his new appointment, he will be based in Las Vegas, United States.

“Matt’s leadership has been instrumental to Aristocrat’s recent growth both in the Americas and across other key markets,” chief executive-designate Trevor Croker said in a statement included in the press release.

Mr Croker added: “Matt comes to the role with proven commercial and strategic skills and a genuine passion for product and helping our customers succeed.”

Mr Croker is to take on the role of chief executive of Aristocrat on March 1, once the departure of current group head Jamie Odell – pre-announced in November – has taken place.

Mr Wilson joined Aristocrat in 2004. Most recently, he was senior vice president of global gaming operations.

Aristocrat’s net profit after tax jumped 88 percent year-on-year in the 12 months to September 30, to AUD350.5 million (US$269.4 million). Group revenue expanded by 34.5 percent year-on-year, to nearly AUD2.13 billion, while earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 54.1 percent, to AUD806.0 million.