Aristocrat Gaming CEO Hector Fernandez has resigned with immediate effect to accept a role with a “competitor,” the company said.
Aristocrat CEO and managing director, Trevor Croker, said the company “recognises his contribution to our business over the last six years.”
Fernandez’s contract included a 12-month non-compete obligation.
He will be replaced in the role by Aristocrat Gaming’s chief financial officer and executive vice president of operations, Craig Toner.
Toner has been at Aristocrat for over seven years and has been promoted through a number of business, finance and operations roles in Sydney, Australia.
Three years ago, he transitioned to Las Vegas, Nevada, US, in his most recent role before becoming Aristocrat Gaming CEO.
Croker said: “Craig has been a key part of the global Aristocrat Gaming leadership team that has delivered strong growth and transformational change over recent years.
“He has also worked closely with our board and Executive Steering Committee on a number of major strategic and operational priorities.
“Craig is people-oriented, highly collaborative and impactful.”
Elsewhere, Aristocrat Interactive announced on Thursday that it will provide the omnichannel operator of over 20 casinos in Mexico with a suite of solutions.
Big Bola, which has also had an online gaming presence for over seven years, will take a player account management solution, sportsbook technology and a managed services system from Aristocrat’s online real-money gaming division.
Aristocrat Interactive will also supply Big Bola’s retail operations with self-service betting terminals and over-the-counter solutions.
Tsachi Maimon, chief strategy officer at Aristocrat Interactive, said the company is taking its land-based partnership with Big Bola to the “next level” by supplying its online business.
Aristocrat Interactive’s sportsbook solution includes horseracing, esports, boosted odds and jackpot offerings.
Aristocrat Interactive will also develop a mobile application for Big Bola’s online audience in Mexico.
Its player account management services offer player engagement tools, payment methods, API integration and other features.
“We are excited to take the next step in our evolution by partnering with a global leader like Aristocrat Interactive to provide a richer, immersive gaming experience to players in Mexico,” said Emilio Quirós, chief operating officer at Big Bola.
