Scientific Games has appointed Jamie Odell, formerly CEO of Aristocrat Leisure, as special advisor to both its chairman and CEO.
Odell will advise chairman Ronald Perelman on gaming industry trends and market innovations, as well work with CEO Barry Cottle to support ongoing growth strategies across the business.
While serving as CEO at Aristocrat from 2009 to 2017, market capitalization at the gambling machine manufacturer increased from $1.3bn (£1.03bn/€1.17bn) to approximately $7.5bn.
Prior to his time with Aristocrat, Odell held a number of senior executive roles in the global beverage industry.
“It’s an absolute honor to be asked by Ronald to provide advice, and since spending time with Barry I’ve come to recognise that we share common values and beliefs about how to build great businesses, which I’m looking forward to delivering with him,” Odell said.
“Scientific Games has an outstanding leadership team that is committed to driving our industry into the future and I will do everything I can to support their current strategies.”
Perelman added: “I have known and watched Jamie’s success for years and I am so glad he has agreed to join us in this new role.
“The addition of Jamie will significantly enhance our ability to reach new players and markets as well as drive growth across the company.”
The appointment comes after Scientific Games earlier this month reported an increase in revenue for the first quarter of the year. Revenue in the three months to March 31, 2019, amounted to $837m, up from $812m in 2018.
Lottery revenue in Q1 was up 12% year-on-year to $227m, while social gaming revenue also increased 22% to $118m. Digital revenue remained level at $70m but the gaming segment, the main source of income for Scientific Games, saw revenue slip by 5% year-on-year to $422m.