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Tuesday 14 July, 2009
Mr Jamie Odell, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:
ALL) today announced a new executive leadership team structure, subject to regulatory approval where relevant.
The new team ensures the right people, with the optimum skills and industry experience, will be in
place to oversee the development and execution of Aristocrat’s business transformation strategy.
Details of the strategy will be shared with the market at the time of the company’s half year results on
August 25 2009.
Joining the Aristocrat executive leadership team are:
Toni Korsanos, Chief Financial Officer.* Toni joined Aristocrat in 2007 as General Manager, Group
Finance and has almost 20 years’ experience in financial and general management at companies
including Kellogg’s Australia New Zealand and Goodman Fielder Ltd. Toni brings to the executive
team a detailed knowledge of the business and appropriate continuity, together with first class
technical and strategic skills.
Julius Patta, Chief Technology Officer. Julius has extensive hands-on experience in software
engineering, game design and development and has led a number of leading edge gaming operations
and technology businesses in North America, Australia and Europe. Julius’ appointment reflects the
critical importance of technology to Aristocrat’s future and ensures the executive team has technical
skill and capability of the highest calibre. Julius will be based in the United States.
Sam Nickless, Business Transformation Director. Sam has over 15 years’ experience leading
complex strategic change programs, most recently at the National Australia Bank and previously with
McKinsey & Company in Australia and in the United States. Sam will provide the expert program
leadership and commercial skills required to drive the execution of our turnaround strategy.
Trevor Croker, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand. Trevor’s experience building high
performance sales organisations, his familiarity with Aristocrat’s customer base and his marketing and
general management skills will be key assets in this role. Trevor will maintain a singular and
consistent focus on driving performance in these markets, in particular executing an effective
turnaround strategy in key Australian jurisdictions.
Patrick McGlinchey, Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary.* Patrick has extensive international
corporate, commercial and governance experience gained in both listed companies and private
practice. Previously acting in the CLO role, Patrick’s appointment also ensures appropriate continuity,
particularly in the management of current litigation.
Nick Khin, President Aristocrat Americas, Tony Weston, Chief Human Resources Officer, Paul
Kitchin, Chief Marketing Officer, and Gillian Findlay, Group Manager CEO Office, will continue in
their current roles.
The research and development function will be renamed Design and Development and will continue
to be led by David Hughes with the title Chief Design & Development Officer. This change reflects a
new emphasis on ensuring this critical function is truly ‘player led’ and focused on delivering premium
game content that excites players and operators.
Warren Jowett will take on responsibility for Aristocrat’s businesses outside the Americas and
Australia / New Zealand in the new role of Managing Director, EMEA, Asia Pacific and Japan.
Gareth Phillips, Chief Technology Officer, will continue with the company in a senior advisory
capacity, supporting Julius Patta and ensuring technology and industry issues get appropriate visibility
across the business.
“I am delighted to announce the new executive leadership team, and congratulate all team members
on their appointment,” said Mr Odell. “I am confident that we now have the right structure and the
optimum blend of skills, industry experience and external perspectives to ensure we will be successful
in executing our plans to lift performance to meet our potential and the expectations of our
stakeholders.
“Finalising the executive team is an early but significant step in our plans to grow our business and
create long-term sustainable shareholder value.
“The team I’m announcing today significantly increases our bench strength in the critical areas of
technology, strategic project management and marketing. This will underpin our work to become a
truly player led, technology driven business with a much sharper focus on key markets and value
drivers,” Mr Odell added.
As a result of these changes, Simon Kelly, Chief Financial Officer, Finance Director and Company
Secretary will leave the business on 31 July 2009, while Rob McLoughlin, Executive General
Manager EMEA will retire on 31 October 2009. The Company will announce interim arrangements
regarding the Company Secretary role before 31 July, 2009 as Patrick McGlinchey’s appointment is
subject to regulatory approval.
“On behalf of the business I sincerely thank Simon and Rob for their 6 and 16 years of service
respectively and wish them every success in their future endeavours,” said Mr Odell.
He concluded, “I look forward to working with the new executive team to lead our ambitious and
important change agenda at Aristocrat.”
*This role is subject to regulatory approval.
Aristocrat Leisure Limited is a leading global provider of gaming solutions. The Company is licensed by over two hundred regulators and its products and services are available in over ninety countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video terminal systems, electronic tables, and casino management systems. For further information visit the Company’s website at www.aristocratgaming.com.
