Scientific Games promotes Connie James to group CFO

James will also take on the roles of executive vice president, treasurer and corporate secretary from 15 October.

Current CFO Mike Eklund, who is stepping down after just over a year in the role to pursue other opportunities, will remain with the company until the same date.

Eklund said: “I am incredibly proud of our team and what we have accomplished. With the progress we have made and the Company’s transformation taking hold, I know that our finance team is in capable hands with Connie at the helm and that Scientific Games is set for an exciting future.”

In addition to serving as CFO for Scientific Games’ gaming business since 2020, James has also held similar roles at Aristocrat Leisure.

“Since joining Scientific Games, Connie has helped lead the Gaming business through the unprecedented disruptions caused by Covid-19 and played a critical role in our strategic review and developing our vision to become the leading cross-platform global game company,” Scientific Games president and chief executive Barry Cottle said.

“As we advance our strategy to become a content-led growth company, we are confident that Connie is the right executive to take the reins to help us achieve our vision and drive long-term shareholder value.”

James’s appointment is the latest senior management change at the company this year. Victor Blanco was appointed chief technology officer in April, while senior executive Keith O’Loughlin stepped down from his position in July.
When O’Loughlin’s departure was announced, the supplier said it would bring in a new CTO for its SG Digital division.

James added: “Scientific Games is a company with enormous potential as we execute on our strategy to de-lever our balance sheet, invest in growth for the future and unlock value for our stakeholders.

“I am excited to work closely with Barry and the rest of our team as we capitalise on high growth opportunities available to us over the coming years.”

One major project James will be tasked with overseeing is the divesting of Scientific Games’ lottery and sports betting businesses, which was first announced in June this year. It will see the business focus on its gaming supply operations, across all channels, which it says will drive “sustainable growth” for the supplier.