Aristocrat taps Superna Kalle as chief strategy officer

Kalle – who will join Aristocrat on 9 October 2023 – spent 16 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where she developed its Asian television networks business. Later she worked as senior vice-president and general manager of Sony’s US TV networks division.

After this, streaming platform Starz International appointed Kalle as its president. In this position the executive led the platform’s rollout to over 60 countries.

Aristocrat chief executive Trevor Crocker said he was “delighted” to be welcoming Kalle to the company’s leadership team.

“Superna will play a pivotal role in driving our group growth strategy and leveraging Aristocrat’s industry-leading intellectual property across our operations as a key part of this effort,” he said.

“Superna has a track record of maximising the strategic value of content across a range of consumer media verticals. I look forward to her contribution and congratulate her warmly on her appointment.”

On LinkedIn, Kalle said she was “excited” to be joining the team.

“I’ve had a wonderful few months off during where I recharged, travelled and spent time with family and friends. Looking forward to new challenges and opportunities in the gaming industry!”

Aristocrat M&A supports online strategy

Kalle will be leading on Aristocrat’s strategy as the business finalises its acquisition of online lottery provider NeoGames. This is set to pave the way for the business’ expansion in the segment.

Aristocrat first announced the $1.20bn deal in May. It will see the Australian gaming business acquire 100% of the company for $29.50 per share.

At the announcement Crocker said the combined business would be able to deliver on Aristocrat’s goal of offering a portfolio of igaming, ilottery and online sports betting solutions.  

In 2022, the business outlined its plan of accelerating its online strategy through a series of mergers and acquisitions.

Accordingly, the company said it would be focusing on the US, with the goal of capturing a significant share of the online supplier market.

This “build-and-buy” strategy followed on from the company’s failed purchase of Playtech. This deal fell apart after it failed to receive sufficient backing from shareholders.

Following on from this, the supplier announced it would be buying UK-gaming supplier Roxor Games for an undisclosed sum.