The CEO of one of the major gaming equipment providers will take over as the chairman of the American Gaming Association in January.
The Washington D.C. based trade organization said Thursday that Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. CEO Trevor Croker was elected chairman by the group’s board. Croker will success Penn National Gaming CEO Tim Wilmott, who has led the AGA board since 2018.
Wilmott is retiring from Penn at the end of the year.
Croker is the first representative from the manufacturing sector to lead the AGA’s board since former Bally Technologies CEO Richard Haddrill held the post. MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren preceded Wilmott.
Croker has served on AGA’s board and in executive committees since he became Aristocrat CEO in 2017. His experience at Aristocrat includes the company’s regulated and social games businesses.
Prior to his appointment as CEO, Croker held key leadership roles including executive vice president of global products and insights, chief digital officer, and managing director of Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
“It’s a great privilege to lead the AGA during a time of great growth and change in the gaming industry,” Croker said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the progress made under Tim’s leadership to modernize the industry and make responsible gaming a signature priority.”
Wilmott headed the AGA’s CEO search committee, which led to the hiring of Bill Miller in January. Miller said Wilmott provided him counsel as he began his AGA tenue.
“I’m thrilled to have such a well-regarded leader in the industry step into the role of AGA’s next chairman,” Miller said in a statement. “Trevor brings with him invaluable insight from our supplier members and fresh perspectives on how to propel the industry into the next generation of gaming.”
Miller said Wilmott led the AGA during a “dynamic period for the industry” and provided “a steady hand” over the last two years.
“The entire gaming industry benefited from his leadership, and I’m personally grateful for his continued and wise counsel,” Miller said.
Wilmott, in a statement, said it “was an honor” to serve as AGA chairman.
“I’m proud of the strides we’ve made to highlight gaming’s role as an economic engine and mainstream form of entertainment,” Wilmott said. “The future of the organization and industry is bright with Trevor and Bill’s leadership.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
