International Game Technology (now operating as the combined IGT enterprise following the Apollo-led merger with Everi Holdings) welcomed Hector Fernandez as its new CEO on December 3, 2025. This came after a year-long wait due to his non-compete obligations from leaving Aristocrat Gaming, where he had been CEO since 2022 and had built a solid reputation for driving revenue growth and market share in land-based operations across hundreds of jurisdictions.
Fernandez stepped into the top spot at a time when the company was still digesting the full integration of the two legacy businesses. The merger, completed back in July 2025, created a much broader platform: gaming machines and content from the old IGT side, digital/iGaming strengths, and Everi’s fintech tools like cash access, kiosks, and loyalty systems. The whole thing runs under the IGT banner now, with Everi kept alive in certain markets and product categories. Headquarters stayed in Las Vegas, and the structure split into three main units—Gaming (which Fernandez directly oversees once all regulatory boxes are checked), Digital under Gil Rotem, and FinTech under Darren Simmons.
Nick Khin, who had held things together as interim enterprise CEO and head of the Gaming unit during the transition, moved sideways into a strategic advisor position with the board and leadership team. Fernandez was quick to thank him publicly, pointing out Khin’s twelve-plus years of steady contribution and how crucial his work had been through the complicated merger phase.
Fernandez: A resume full of titles?
What Fernandez actually brings isn’t just a resume full of titles. He started his career in finance—Deloitte auditing, then senior roles at Procter & Gamble, Amgen in biotech, and Western Digital in hardware—before jumping into gaming.
He joined Aristocrat in 2018 as CFO for the Americas, climbed to President of Americas and EMEA, then took the CEO job for their gaming division.
He’s got an MBA from USC Marshall (finance and marketing focus), a BA in Economics from Claremont McKenna, and he’s a certified public accountant. Outside work, he’s on boards for the American Gaming Association, the Kravis Leadership Institute, and recently the National Board of The Alzheimer’s Association.
In his early statements after taking over, Fernandez talked about the company’s “strong talent, deep industry relationships, and significant potential.” He emphasized evolving operations, pushing innovation, and delivering better for customers—operators and players alike. The tone was pragmatic: no grand promises of revolution, just a focus on getting the merged teams working together effectively under Apollo’s ownership.
Premium Content by IGT
One area that hasn’t changed—and Fernandez has made clear it won’t—is IGT’s position in premium content, especially progressive jackpots. The company continues to IGT progressive jackpots and maintain its reputation as the benchmark provider in this space. Classics like Megabucks (which has been paying out massive wins since the mid-80s), Powerbucks in Canada, and newer multi-level systems such as Money Gong, Magic Treasures, and Blazin’ Flames keep delivering the kind of escalating excitement that operators rely on for floor traffic and revenue. Recent tweaks, like enhanced Money Ball features with extra pots and multipliers up to 9X, show they’re still refining what works without reinventing the wheel.
This ties directly into how the company approaches the market. Operators want games that hold player attention longer, encourage higher bets, and generate consistent performance. Progressive systems do that reliably, creating shared jackpot pools that build buzz across machines, casinos, or even regions.
Under Fernandez, the expectation is that these will roll out faster across both land-based cabinets and digital platforms, taking advantage of the Everi integration for better connectivity and player data flow.
Partnerships
Speaking of operators, partnerships remain a big priority. Fernandez’s background in commercial deal-making at Aristocrat suggests he’ll push for more tailored arrangements.
Major accounts like Bally Bet Casino and Fanatics Casino, for instance, get access to customized content, promotional tools, and seamless tech integration that matches their specific player bases—whether it’s regional preferences in the US or different volatility needs elsewhere.
The goal is mutual benefit: operators boost engagement and retention while IGT secures long-term shelf space.
Regulatory compliance is another non-negotiable pillar. The gaming world is heavily scrutinized, especially in the US with state-by-state rules, as Vladyslav Lazurchenko from Jackpot Sounds mentions. IGT has always stressed adherence to bodies like the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and similar regulators around the globe. Fernandez has reiterated this commitment—no shortcuts, full transparency in fairness, security, and responsible gaming practices.
That discipline lets the company keep innovating responsibly: new interactive bonuses, immersive themes, and progressive features can launch without risking licences.
Looking at the product side more broadly, IGT’s strength has always been in high-quality slots, table games, and systems.
The merger added Everi’s fintech layer, so now there’s potential for tighter links between gameplay and payments/loyalty.
Recent shows like G2E 2025 and the upcoming ICE Barcelona 2026 have highlighted new cabinets (RISE55 and RISE32) loaded with multi-level progressives and linked pools, plus bundles like 4 Fortunes Link or Mystery of the Lamp packs. It’s clear the pipeline is active, blending traditional appeal with digital flexibility.
As of mid-January 2026, Fernandez is still referred to in some releases as “Incoming CEO” in contexts like the recent promotion of Andy Hendrickson to Chief Product & Technology Officer (combining product and tech leadership), but the December announcement and his active involvement indicate he’s fully in the role now, pending any final regulatory formalities for certain oversight duties.
The Bottom Line
This leadership change feels like a natural progression for IGT post-merger: experienced operator at the helm, focus on integration, innovation without recklessness, and strong emphasis on the progressive jackpot heritage that has defined much of the company’s success.
The industry will watch closely through 2026 to see how the combined entity performs—growth, new partnerships, and whether those big jackpot wins keep flowing as reliably as ever.
For players and operators, the promise is more engaging, secure experiences; for the company, it’s about solidifying that global leadership position.
