Sci Games hires Goldman Sachs aide as SVP govt affairs

Mar 13, 2018 Newsdesk Industry Talk, Latest News, Top of the deck, World  

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Casino equipment and lottery services provider Scientific Games Corp has appointed a former aide to investment banking business Goldman Sachs as senior vice president of government affairs, giving him global responsibilities for Scientific Games’ dealings with governments. He will report to Kevin Sheehan, the firm’s chief executive.

The new hire, Robert O’Connor, would work to “support the company’s long-term strategies and raise its profile globally to support its existing business, new sector growth opportunities and emerging markets,” said a Monday press release.

Scientific Games has recently been involved in a range of merger and acquisition activity, including completing in early January the acquisition of NYX Gaming Group Ltd, a specialist in sports betting. The degree of regulatory acceptance of the sports betting segment varies across jurisdictions globally.

“Rob brings nearly three decades of government service and advocacy experience at the global, federal, state and local levels,” said Scientific Games’ Mr Sheehan. “We look forward to capitalising on his leadership, as we continue to grow and prosper in current jurisdictions, as well as expand into newly regulated territories,” the CEO added.

At Goldman Sachs, Mr O’Connor served as vice president, executive office, government affairs. According to Monday’s press release, while at the banking group he managed political, legislative and regulatory advocacy with the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and led company advocacy efforts in New York State, New York City and New Jersey. Mr O’Connor also served as treasurer of the Goldman Sachs Political Action Committee.

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