Hector Fernandez has been appointed as the CEO of Apollo, the parent company formed after the acquisition of IGT’s Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings.
He is expected to join the newly merged organization in the fourth quarter of 2024. This announcement follows the favorable vote by Everi shareholders for a merger with Apollo Funds last month, which includes the anticipated purchase of IGT’s Gaming and Digital operations.
Daniel Cohen, a Partner at Apollo, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to designate Hector Fernandez as the prospective CEO of this combined entity. As we aim to position IGT Gaming and Everi as leading, diversified, customer-focused platforms at the cutting edge of innovation in the gaming and FinTech sectors, Hector brings with him a proven history of expanding operations and enhancing customer connections, all while upholding strong values.
“Hector shares our vision of leading this talented global workforce and will nurture a people-first culture across the merged organization.”
The brand praised Fernandez for his extensive experience both within and outside of the gaming industry, which is expected to enable him to effectively merge and lead the two gaming platforms.
“I am incredibly enthusiastic to embark on this journey with IGT Gaming and Everi,” Fernandez said about his new position. “I am eager to work alongside the exceptionally talented teams at both companies, as well as the Apollo team managing the transaction.”
Once the transaction is finalized, Nick Khin, President of Global Gaming at IGT, will serve as the Interim CEO of the integrated organization until Fernandez officially steps into the CEO role.
After the mergers, the unified company will be structured into three business segments: Gaming, Digital, and FinTech. When Fernandez joins, Khin will assume the new position of CEO of Gaming, overseeing the land-based gaming segment of the enterprise.
Gil Rotem, currently the President of IGT PlayDigital, will become the CEO of Digital, while Darren Simmons, the current Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader at Everi, will take on the role of CEO of FinTech.
“We are eager for Nick to undertake the additional duty of Interim CEO once the acquisitions close and are confident in his ability to lead the land-based gaming segment until Hector officially joins,” Cohen added.
“We trust that his deep understanding of customers and players, combined with his leadership and enthusiasm, will lay a strong foundation for future success. Additionally, we are pleased to have leaders like Gil and Darren ready to assume pivotal roles in the new enterprise.”