Aristocrat Leisure Limited, the well-known Australian manufacturer of gambling machines, has announced significant updates to its leadership team, particularly within its Aristocrat Interactive division and Group Corporate Affairs & Marketing. These updates involve appointing a new CEO for Aristocrat Interactive and a new chief for corporate affairs and marketing.
Dylan Slaney has been appointed as the new CEO of Aristocrat Interactive, taking over from Moti Malul, who is set to depart in March 2026. Slaney will officially assume his role on November 3. Despite Malul’s upcoming exit, he will remain with the company for several months to facilitate a seamless transition. Aristocrat emphasized that Slaney’s appointment was the result of an “extensive global search,” describing him as a “proven iGaming executive” with substantial global leadership experience in the gaming industry.
Before joining Aristocrat, Slaney led Light & Wonder’s iGaming business as CEO and previously held key roles at companies like NYX, SG Digital, and dunnhumby. His ability to drive both operational excellence and transformative growth reportedly made him the ideal choice for the Interactive CEO position. Slaney will be based in London, which aligns with Aristocrat’s strategy to strengthen its presence in major global markets.
In another strategic move, Aristocrat has appointed Barry French as its chief corporate affairs & marketing officer, effective immediately. French replaces Natalie Toohey, who is stepping down after nearly seven years in the role. Like Malul, Toohey will aid in the transition process to ensure continuity and stability.
Barry French brings with him a rich background of 35 years in corporate affairs and marketing, having worked across various industries and markets. His most recent position was with Inmarsat as chief marketing and telecommunications officer. French also held a similar role at Nokia. His experience in handling corporate reputation and stakeholder relationships is expected to be invaluable to Aristocrat’s growth plans. French will be stationed in Las Vegas, a strategic location for Aristocrat given the city’s significance in the global gambling industry.
Trevor Croker, Aristocrat Group’s CEO and managing director, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. Both Slaney and French will report directly to him and will join the company’s Executive Steering Committee. Croker highlighted that their appointments are crucial for accelerating the implementation of Aristocrat’s strategic objectives.
Croker was quoted as expressing his excitement: welcoming leaders like Dylan and Barry to the executive team underscores Aristocrat’s commitment to values-driven leadership, with a focus on collaboration and customer engagement. He pointed out that Slaney’s deep expertise in the iGaming sector and French’s proficiency in managing reputation and stakeholder relationships would serve as significant assets to the company. Croker also took the opportunity to thank both Malul and Toohey for their exceptional service and contributions to Aristocrat.
The gaming industry continues to experience rapid evolution, with digital transformation and regulatory changes constantly reshaping the landscape. Aristocrat’s strategic leadership changes are seen as a proactive step in positioning the company to better navigate these challenges. By bringing in leaders with robust experience in digital gaming and corporate affairs, Aristocrat aims to bolster its competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market.
From another perspective, some market analysts suggest that while new leadership can drive innovation and progress, it also comes with risks, such as potential shifts in company culture and operational disruptions during transitions. However, Aristocrat’s careful transition planning—keeping outgoing personnel onboard to assist their successors—aims to minimize such risks.
Looking at the broader economic context, the global gambling industry is projected to grow significantly over the coming years, fueled by advancements in technology and increasing legalization of gambling activities in various regions. Companies like Aristocrat that invest in strong leadership and innovative strategies are likely to capitalize on these emerging opportunities. However, they must also remain vigilant about regulatory changes that could impact operations and market access.
Overall, the appointment of Dylan Slaney and Barry French represents Aristocrat’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team to navigate future challenges and seize opportunities. The company appears well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving gambling sector.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
