Aristocrat Gaming CEO Hector Fernandez Exits for Unnamed Competitor

Hector Fernandez, the boss at Aristocrat Gaming, has moved on, with the executive leaving the company with immediate effect, Aristocrat Leisure Limited confirmed in a filing on Thursday.

Long-time Aristocrat Gaming veteran steps down from CEO post

Fernandez has been a long-standing company veteran, and he first started as CFO at the Americas Gaming business unit back in 2018 before moving into the driving seat at Aristocrat Gaming in 2022.

Fernandez, however, will most likely not be able to accept his new job right away, as he has a non-compete clause that prevents him from assuming similar roles over the next 12 months. In the meantime, Aristocrat has wasted no time, appointing Craig Toner as the new CEO.

Toner himself is well-versed in the company’s operations and has more than seven years serving as CFO and executive VP of operations. Toner’s experience beyond Aristocrat Gaming, however, spans 20 years of senior positions across strategy, commercial and operational roles at Lion Ltd, an alcohol and beverages business based in New Zealand.

Commenting on the new appointment, Aristocrat CEO and managing director Trevor Croker hailed the arrival of Toner in the hot seat of the company and said that he is primed to deliver strong growth and transformational change, which he has already been contributing to in recent years as part of the company.

“He has also worked closely with our Board and Executive Steering Committee on a number of major strategic and operational priorities. Craig is people-oriented, highly collaborative and impactful. We are delighted to be able to elevate a proven and capable leader of Craig’s caliber to this role, demonstrating again the depth of talent we have built at Aristocrat,” Croker added, commenting on Toner’s qualifications and track record within the company.

Croker Confident in Success of New Gaming Division CEO

Croker briefly thanked Fernandez for his service and for the contributions he has made to the business over the previous six years. The executive also pointed out that Toner will ensure a smooth transition and focus on driving a relentless customer focus under his leadership.

Croker added that Aristocrat Gaming is a global behemoth with exceptional depth, momentum and resilience, and Toner will continue to spearhead its success story.