10 Women Rising in Gaming
September 2026
Aiko Hatano
Company: Sega Sammy Creation USA Inc
Years of experience in the gaming industry: 21
Hometown: Kobe, Hyogo Japan
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
My first role in gaming began as a hostess at Wing Lei, the first Michelin-rated fine dining establishment inside a casino resort, as part of Wynn’s opening team. That experience taught me early that true luxury is built one guest interaction at a time. From there, I moved into the VIP front office and, over time, grew into hotel management leadership. After Wynn, I continued honing my craft across several Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond properties internationally, moving fluidly between gaming and non-gaming hospitality environments. Each transition sharpened my instinct for service excellence and deepened my belief that hospitality, at its best, speaks a universal language — one that gaming speaks with particular flair, energy, and heart.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
What I love most about this industry is its remarkable intimacy. Despite its scale, gaming remains a tight-knit professional community where reputation is currency and trust is earned, never assumed. Perhaps it’s simply been my experience, but I’ve found this industry breeds a rare kind of camaraderie — colleagues who champion one another and a shared understanding that we rise together because we are all part of the same close-knit world. That blend of professional rigor and genuine warmth is what keeps me endlessly engaged.
Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make in the industry, and what would you like your leadership legacy to be?
If given the privilege to shape our industry’s future, I hope to be an unwavering voice for women in leadership — and an equally strong advocate for the male allies who help elevate them, so that our industry becomes not just more “inclusive,” but genuinely progressive in practice. I believe my position in people leadership is uniquely suited to drive that change from the inside out, and I intend to keep having the uncomfortable conversations, offering the insights and perspectives that illustrate what is truly at stake, and building the opportunities and infrastructure that let everyone — regardless of gender — have a real shot at leading.
What personal and professional qualities or traits do you believe are essential for success in the gaming industry, and which of those qualities have helped you thrive in your own career?
Throughout my career in the gaming industry, I have watched organizations and leaders rise and fall, and in almost every case, the deciding factor was integrity. The principle of “doing right even when no one is watching” is the quiet engine behind lasting success: it sustains the quality of everything we do, builds a foundation strong enough to withstand any storm, and creates long-term, durable success. Shortcuts and political maneuvering may offer a fleeting win, but they eventually erode the business and a person’s career. A genuine sense of self, anchored in integrity, is the one thing I will never, ever compromise.
What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?
My advice, as in any industry, is simple: be bold, build genuine allies, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Gaming is, after all, an entertainment industry — everything we create should bring joy, starting with how we lead. I approach people management with that very philosophy: leadership should bring joy to our guests and our employees alike, so that they, in turn, can go out and deliver unforgettable joy to the world. There is no room for gender barriers in that equation. So don’t limit yourself — your seat at the table is already earned.
