Aristocrat Leisure Limited
Aristocrat Invests in Kinectify, Appoints Jason Walbridge as Board Member
Kinectify, a pioneering technology firm spearheading risk management innovation in gaming, has announced an incremental investment by Aristocrat Leisure Limited (Aristocrat).
Aristocrat’s investment in Kinectify is joined by current investors contributing additional capital underscoring confidence in Kinectify. Contributing investors include Acies Investments, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, and the former CEO of Caesars Entertainment, Mark Frissora. Concurrently, gaming executive Jason Walbridge has joined the Kinectify board of directors as Aristocrat’s representative to enhance strategic benefits between Aristocrat and Kinectify.
Walbridge brings extensive global operational experience in both land-based and online gaming markets. For over two decades, he has been a leader in the gaming industry. In 2022, Walbridge commenced an advisory role with Aristocrat, focused particularly on the development of their online real money gaming business, Anaxi.
Prior to his current association with Aristocrat, Walbridge held key executive positions in other established gaming entities. He served as the Chief Operating Officer of NYX Gaming and became Chief Operating Officer of SG Digital following NYX Gaming’s acquisition by Scientific Games (now Light & Wonder). Preceding these two roles, Walbridge spent 18 years with Aristocrat, holding various executive positions across global markets. His deep understanding of industry dynamics, coupled with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, makes him an invaluable addition to Kinectify’s board.
Walbridge said: “I am thrilled to work with Kinectify to pioneer innovation in risk management across the gaming ecosystem. I’ve been impressed by Kinectify’s track record so far with its AML and responsible gaming technology, and I’m excited to facilitate deeper collaboration between our companies.”
Aristocrat Leisure Limited
Matt Maddox to Step Down as Wynn Resorts CEO
Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox is stepping down from the company as of 31 January 2022 and will be replaced by Wynn Interactive CEO Craig Billings.
Maddox will remain on the Board of Directors of both Wynn Macau Ltd and Wynn Interactive Ltd until the end of 2022 following a request from his fellow directors.
Billings, the former Wynn Resorts President and CFO who was only recently appointed to lead the company’s interactive arm, will officially become Wynn Resorts CEO on 1 February 2022.
The departure of Maddox comes less than four years after he was first appointed CEO in February 2018 and tasked with rebuilding the company’s brand and reputation following the departure of founder Steve Wynn amid allegations of sexual misconduct. He achieved that and more, but has since spent the past two years navigating Wynn Resorts through the COVID-19 pandemic – a battle that continues to this day.
Matt Maddox said: “This has not been an easy decision. I am leaving a company that I love and that’s full of people I admire. But I believe now is the right time for me and for the business.
“The last four years have been challenging but extremely rewarding, and I am incredibly proud that we accomplished so much. We quickly resolved litigation that had distracted the company for seven years. We reorganized the company’s leadership team and focused on our 28,000 employees, rebuilding and strengthening our powerful culture to focus on a common purpose: create and deliver the best guest experiences.
“We led the industry with our response to the pandemic; many other industries looked to us for advice, guidance, and leadership as a result. I knew our biggest asset is our people, which is why we paid them throughout the shut down and why our culture has never been stronger. That investment is now paying off as Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Boston Harbor are generating more profit and market share since we opened our resorts, all while maintaining five-star service levels. I also look forward to serving on the Wynn Macau Board throughout 2022 to assist with the concession renewal and help solidify our place as the premium operator in the region.”
Billings joined Wynn Resorts as CFO in March 2017 and has been a board member of Wynn Macau Ltd since August 2018, having previously held executive and board positions with Aristocrat Leisure Limited, NYX Gaming Group, IGT, and Goldman Sachs.
“Having worked so closely with Matt and the Board, I appreciate the confidence they have placed in me and look forward to building upon the legacy of excellence we’ve established,” Billings said.
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