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Light & Wonder Announces Leadership Transition

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Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) has appointed Matt Wilson as interim CEO following the departure of Barry Cottle. Wilson, who retains his role as Executive VP and Group Chief Executive of Gaming, will lead the company's transition while a search for a permanent CEO is underway. Jamie Odell, Executive Chair, expressed confidence in Wilson's leadership abilities, citing a successful track record in repositioning the Gaming business for growth. The Company reaffirmed its financial targets for 2022-2025, signaling a commitment to its strategic plan amid this leadership change.

Positive
  • Matt Wilson's experience and strategic insights are expected to benefit the company's leadership during the transition.
  • The company has reaffirmed its financial targets for 2022-2025, indicating confidence in its strategic direction.
Negative
  • The sudden leadership change may create concerns about continuity and stability in the company's strategic direction.

Matt Wilson Appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) (“Light & Wonder,” “L&W” or the “Company”), today announced that Matt Wilson, Light & Wonder’s Executive Vice President and Group Chief Executive of Gaming, has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer while also continuing in his current role. In connection with the appointment, Barry Cottle has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and will support a seamless transition as a consultant.

The Company’s Board has commenced a search process to identify a permanent CEO and has engaged a leading national executive search firm. The search builds on the Board’s well-established succession planning process and will include both internal and external candidates.

“As we enter the next chapter of our growth journey as the leading cross-platform global game company, we are confident that now is the right time to make this leadership transition,” said Jamie Odell, Executive Chair of Light & Wonder. “Our Executive Vice Chair, Toni Korsanos, and I have worked closely with Matt for over 10 years, including most recently as he has successfully worked to turn around and reposition Light & Wonder’s Gaming business for long-term growth. We are confident that his strategic insights, deep industry knowledge, rich experience and impressive track record make him the ideal person to serve as interim CEO during this transition period.”

“I am honored to take on the role of interim CEO during this exciting time for our company,” said Mr. Wilson. “With a streamlined organization, sharpened strategic focus and strengthened balance sheet, we are now better positioned than ever to capitalize on the incredible opportunities ahead for the business. I look forward to working closely with the rest of the leadership team in this new capacity as we continue to accelerate our progress as a sustainable growth company.”

Mr. Odell concluded, “We thank Barry for all of his contributions to the fundamental reshaping of the Company that has positioned it for continued success. With our transformed balance sheet, continued strong business momentum and great progress executing on our capital allocation priorities, we see a tremendous opportunity to drive shareholder value. We look forward to working closely with Matt and the rest of the management team as we continue to execute on our strategic roadmap and deliver on our growth targets.”

Light & Wonder also today reaffirmed its 2022-2025 financial targets provided at its Investor Day on May 17, 2022. The Company remains committed to executing on its strategic plan to achieve these financial targets.

About Matt Wilson

Mr. Wilson is a seasoned executive with nearly 20 years of gaming industry experience with a proven record of driving growth and creating value. In his role as Light & Wonder’s Executive Vice President and Group Chief Executive of Gaming, he led the strategic growth plans for the Gaming team while overseeing product development, production, supply chain and sales of the Company’s Gaming products, systems and services. Prior to joining Light & Wonder, Mr. Wilson served as President and Managing Director, Americas at Aristocrat. During his tenure with Aristocrat, he also served as Senior Vice President of Global Gaming Operations, and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong and completed the Advanced Management Program at Wharton Business School.

About Light & Wonder, Inc.

Light & Wonder, Inc. (formerly known as Scientific Games Corporation), is a global leader in cross-platform games and entertainment. The Company brings together over 5,000 employees from six continents to connect content between land-based and digital channels with unmatched technology and distribution. Guided by a culture that values daring teamwork and creativity, the Company builds new worlds of play, developing game experiences loved by players around the globe. Its OpenGaming™ platform powers the largest digital-gaming network in the industry. The Company is committed to the highest standards of integrity, from promoting player responsibility to implementing sustainable practices. To learn more, visit lnw.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this press release, the Company makes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the Company’s 2022-25 financial targets. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "will," "may," "should," “could,” “expect,” “target” or comparable words. These statements are based upon management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of timing, future results, or performance. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in these statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022 (including under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors"). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except for the Company’s ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Inquiries

Jim Bombassei, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations

jbombassei@lnw.com

Media Inquiries

Nick Lamplough / Lucas Pers / T.J. O'Sullivan, Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, +1 212 355 4449

Source: Light & Wonder, Inc.

FAQ

Who has been appointed as interim CEO of Light & Wonder (LNW)?

Matt Wilson has been appointed as interim CEO of Light & Wonder.

What is the reason for Barry Cottle's departure from Light & Wonder (LNW)?

Barry Cottle stepped down as President and CEO to support a seamless transition as a consultant.

What are Light & Wonder's financial targets for 2022-2025?

Light & Wonder has reaffirmed its financial targets for 2022-2025, which were provided during its Investor Day on May 17, 2022.

How is the company planning to find a permanent CEO after Barry Cottle's departure?

The Board has commenced a search process with a national executive search firm to identify a permanent CEO.

What experience does Matt Wilson bring to his role as interim CEO of LNW?

Matt Wilson has nearly 20 years of gaming industry experience and a proven record of driving growth and creating value.

Light & Wonder, Inc.

NASDAQ:LNW

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7.66B
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1.8%
Gambling
Services-computer Integrated Systems Design
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United States of America
LAS VEGAS