Supplier News
Hong Kong – Aruze Gaming CEO and Okada ally steps down
By Phil - 10 June 2019
Aruze Gaming has appointed a new CEO with former CEO Takahiro Usui, an ally of troubled founder Kazuo Okada, notifying the Board of his intention to resign as Chairman of the Board and CEO on June 30, 2019, citing personal reasons.
Group CFO/CSO, Yugo Kinoshita has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer with Masumi Fujisawa, Aruze’s current Vice President of Product Development, promoted to the position of Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer.
During Mr. Usui’s 14-year tenure at Aruze, he played an instrumental role in maintaining and advancing Aruze’s position and reputation as a leading innovator in the gaming industry. “The Aruze Board of Directors collectively would like to thank Takahiro for his incredible efforts and accomplishments while at Aruze and we wish him well in all his future endeavors”, says Rich Pennington, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Each of us on the Board of Directors, as well as many within the company, look forward to a continued personal relationship with him as he is a great friend to all of us.”
“[Masumi Fujisawa, Aruze’s current Vice President of Product Development, elevation to the position of Chairman] reflects the company’s belief that success in the gaming industry is driven by distinctive products that outperform those of the competition” stated Rob Ziems, President/Global Chief Legal Office, Secretary, and Member of the Board of Directors. “Masumi’s leadership and product innovation contributions to Aruze have resulted in Aruze winning top slot product awards as well as having four of the top 25 performing games in a recent game performance analysis in a US publication. His continued leadership in the new roles will ensure the company continues to excel in the global gaming marketplace.”
Mr. Kinoshita will remain a Member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Kinoshita, a proven executive in the gaming industry, has been with Aruze since 2012, serving as SVP of Corporate Strategy and Group COO. Prior to working with Aruze, Mr. Kinoshita worked with organizations such as Nike Japan and Albirex Singapore, Pte Ltd. Mr. Kinoshita brings a strong background in marketing and product management and earned an MBA in Management from Babson College. “It is with great honor that I accept the role of Aruze’s new Chief Executive Officer. I am excited for the future of the company and look forward to continuing the momentum of success that the organisation is currently experiencing,” said Mr. Konishita.
Finally, the Board of Directors is proud to welcome Ms. Hiromi Okada as a Member of the Board of Directors for Aruze. “We are pleased Ms. Okada has accepted a position on the Board of Directors. She will add a fresh perspective and balance that every board needs to stay in front of the innovation curve” stated Mr. Fujisawa, Aruze’s new Chairman of the Board.
