Anthony Ball, Aristocrat Gaming’s General Manager, Government & Industry Relations ANZ/APAC, has recently gained a new title to add to his resume. The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) recently revealed that announced that Ball has been appointed as the organization’s Board Chair, with the Vice Chair position going to Cameron Louis, the Managing Director at Aruze Gaming Australia.

The GTA made this announcement at the Australasian Gaming Expo, held at ICC Sydney from August 9 to August 11. Bell replaces Adrian Halpenny, who had occupied the Chair position for over nine years.

Ball commented on his new appointment, saying he was honoured to have been chosen.

“Our association has a well thought out plan for how it can contribute to the long-term wellbeing of gaming technology and supplier companies, venues, and all that have a stake in our industry,” he shared.

“We will work energetically to deliver our agenda, which includes increasing stakeholder understanding of our industry, supporting efficient, balanced, and effective rules and regulation; promoting technology as an enabler of responsible gameplay; encouraging innovation to meet the player and customer (venue) needs; and representing the interests of technology companies while contributing to gaming industry advocacy more broadly”, he added.

The 32nd edition of the AGE attracted over 7000 delegates across its 3-day run and included discussions and presentations on topics such as cashless gaming, staffing, and marketing. The convention floor featured over 200 exhibitors offering trade and tech demos.

Vinesh Patel, the CEO of the GTA lauded the event as a success, saying,

“AGE strives to deliver a bigger and better show year on year for all our stakeholders. With a core focus on technology and the sustainability of the gaming industry, we believe 2022 has delivered maximum value and a satisfying experience for visitors, exhibitors, and sponsors.”​

Aristocrat Gaming recently let the world know that it has enriched its C-level staff complement with two exciting new appointments. Deanne McKissick is the company’s new chief supply officer, and Mark Wadley assumes the role of chief marketing officer.

Both appointees will report directly to Aristocrat Gaming’s CEO, Hector Fernandez. McKissick’s role involves overseeing Aristocrat’s entire global supply chain for the business, and Wadley will take the helm of the organization’s marketing efforts.

Rising Talent

McKissick brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with over seven years of experience with Aristocrat Gaming. Until now, most of her career was spent as the senior vice president of customer order execution. She also previously worked as the vice president of customer order execution and the associate vice president of global planning. Her pre-Aristocrat history involves an almost 14-year stint with Hewlett-Packard, where she held several senior roles.

Wadley joined Aristocrat Gaming in 2020 and was recently appointed senior vice president of marketing. In this role, he was responsible for marketing strategy and branding and managed partnerships across the Americas region.

Before arriving at the company, Wadley had a successful career in healthcare marketing.  He occupied a series of leadership roles at Medivation, Bluebird Bio, and Amgen.

Fernandez commented on the new additions to his term, saying,

“As we continue to focus on changing the game, our superb talent is a core component of our ability to lead the market. Deanne and Mark’s backgrounds lend a unique perspective to help take our business to the next level.”

“We are delighted to welcome both to the global gaming leadership team where they will continue to inspire our employees, vendors, partners and customers to reach new heights,” he concluded.​

Aristocrat has announced that Oriana Branon has been appointed as its new Vice President of Communications and Corporate Affairs.

Branon will report to the CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, Hector Fernandez, and join the company’s executive leadership team. Branon’s role is a newly created one that will see her manage all external and internal communications for Aristocrat’s Gaming division while operating as a strategic guide of the company’s environmental, social, and governance matters.  Branon will additionally be tasked with the sustainability, ethical impact, and diversity concerns of the organization.

Fernandez introduced his new colleague, saying,

“We are thrilled to welcome Oriana to the Aristocrat Gaming team, where she will support our mission to bring joy to life through the power of play. Oriana’s extensive communications background across business and consumer markets, stellar track record of storytelling, and commitment to social impact demonstrate she will be an incredible asset to our company during a time of rapid growth.”

Branon’s previous experience includes heading up corporate communications for Bill.com, and coordinating PR for Alaska Airlines.

“I am excited to join Aristocrat Gaming to build on the company’s rich history of delivering award-winning and entertaining gaming experiences to players around the world. I look forward to working with the team to capture the tremendous opportunity ahead,” Branon said.

Branon’s exemplary communications performance record makes her ideal for the job. She was previously recognized in PRWeek’s “Women to Watch” and “40 Under 40” segments. She was also featured as a Latina advocate in Latina Style and Forbes Magazine.

Branon has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Sociology from the University of California and sits on numerous nonprofit organization boards that work towards empowering and providing opportunities to underserved communities. She has demonstrated a deep passion for mentoring women of color into professionals.​