IGT Plc has executed an executive team and boardroom reorganisation, as Group CEO Marco Sala is appointed as Executive Chairman of the NYSE gambling technology group.
The appointment follows wider group developments, that saw IGT majority owner De Agostini SPA announce that Lorenzo Pellicioli had chosen to end his sixteen-year tenure as CEO of the Italian investment conglomerate.
B&D Holding the controlling shareholder of De Agostini has nominated Sala to succeed Pellicioli as CEO, a role that would require Sala to serve as the chairman of IGT.
Pellicioli issued a statement supporting Sala’s nomination – “It is a natural evolution for Marco to lead the IGT board.”
“During his 19-years at IGT and its predecessor companies, he has a proven track record of success and has earned the trust and respect of IGT’s customers, investors, business partners and regulators. As executive chair, Marco will focus on managing the board, corporate governance, including sustainability initiatives, and guiding the strategic direction of IGT.”
The boardroom shake-up will see former Univision Latino America Chief Executive Vincent Sadusky replace Sala as Group CEO of IGT.
Sadusky holds a prior relationship with IGT, having served as a corporate advisor to the NYSE group since 2009. Board members backed the media and entertainment expert as the outstanding choice to succeed Sala’s leadership.
“IGT is well-positioned for the future, and I am very excited to join the Company as its next CEO. With a seasoned executive team and very talented group of employees across the world, it represents a great opportunity for me to support an industry leader in the next phase of its growth,” Sadusky commented on taking leadership of IGT
Sadusky boardroom duties will be succeeded by the dual appointment of Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter as non-executive directors. Pinelli will directly replace Sadusky position on IGT’s audit committee.
Updating investors, Sala supported the leadership changes, as IGT prepares to reform its business units and product lines to better serve the needs of its global customer base.
Sala remarked – “I am looking forward to taking on the new role of executive chair at IGT and to partner with Vince, with whom I have worked extensively over the years, in leading IGT forward. “
“I believe our skills and experiences are complementary and will serve our stakeholders well. In particular, Vince’s vast experience with portfolio companies and capital markets will be valuable as we look to execute on our strategy,”