Brightstar Parts Ways with Global Lottery CEO, Welcomes New Division COO

Brightstar Lottery has become the latest gaming company to announce changes to its C-suite. In this case, the lottery solutions company stated that it is set to part ways with its CEO of Global Lottery and welcome a new COO for the same division.

Ascoli Exits Brightstar, Tasso Becomes EVP & COO of Global Lottery

The first of the announced changes is the departure of Renato Ascoli, chief executive officer of the company’s Global Lottery business, effective June 30, 2026. This will effectively end Ascoli’s 20-year career with the business, where he has held a variety of senior leadership roles.

At the same time, Brightstar said that Marco Tasso, currently chief executive officer of the International and Italy Operations segment, will be promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Global Lottery division, effective July 1, 2026. According to the announcement, Tasso was the perfect person for the job due to his two decades of experience across the company’s B2C and B2B businesses.

According to Brightstar, Tasso’s long career has seen him serve a variety of gaming businesses, such as Northstar Lottery Group and Lottomatica. Tasso is no stranger to Brightstar, either, having served in a variety of senior leadership roles at its predecessor company, IGT.

As EVP and COO of Global Lottery, Tasso will be made responsible for all of Brightstar’s global lottery operations. His purview will include technology, product development, marketing, sales and product management, supply chain, customer support and field services, the company said.

In his new position, Tasso will report directly to Vince Sadusky, Brightstar Lottery’s chief executive officer.

Brightstar noted that the leadership changes align with its continued evolution and its continued effort to optimize its operations.

The Company Wished Ascoli All the Best and Welcomed Tasso to the Team

Marco Sala, Brightstar’s executive chair, thanked the outgoing Ascoli for his incredible contributions to the company’s lottery product development pipeline, tech stack, and commercial strategy. Sala said that Ascoli ensured that the business continues to expand and innovate.

Vince Sadusky, Brightstar’s CEO, also weighed in on the matter, thanking Ascoli for “his many years of service and steadfast commitment” to the company. At the same time, Sadusky was pleased to welcome Tassa to the C-suite, saying that his appointment supports Brightstar’s vision and goals.

Sadusky said: “As we strengthen our focus on growth, transformation and operational execution, Marco’s insights and experience will help shape the lottery operating organization and optimize it to deliver results.”