Aristocrat Leisure Limited on Thursday announced that Trevor Croker, CEO and managing director, intends to retire from his role in April, and Dafne Guisard will succeed him as CEO.
“The board considers Dafne the ideal choice to succeed Trevor,” Aristocrat Chairman Neil Chatfield said in a statement. “Dafne is an outstanding product and people-focused executive with a strong commitment to customers. She has an exceptional track record of delivering growth and transformation across multiple complex consumer industries, with global experience, and deep product and technology skills.
“The board has also been impressed with Dafne’s outstanding personal integrity and leadership impact. In addition, the board has had regard to the benefits of an internal appointment, including performance continuity and scope for a seamless transition. We are delighted to name Dafne Guisard CEO-elect, and look forward to her leadership of Aristocrat’s next phase of growth and success.”
Guisard joined Aristocrat’s executive team in early 2026 as chief commercial officer for EMEA, and has since taken on responsibility for the Product Madness operating business. Prior to joining Aristocrat, Dafne served as Entain chief operating officer and also was Kraft Heinz chief strategy, digital and transformation officer.
She has spent nine years in executive commercial and finance roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev, among other roles in investment banking and consulting.
“The board deeply appreciates Trevor’s service, after what will have been more than a decade as CEO and 18 years in senior leadership at Aristocrat,” Chatfield said. “Trevor’s contribution to the company and its stakeholders has been outstanding, with the company’s market cap growing fourfold to almost $40 billion and an EPSA CAGR of 15% delivered over his tenure as CEO. Under Trevor’s leadership, Aristocrat has achieved strong operational performance and profit growth, underpinned by a refreshed strategy and step-change in organizational capability.
“Trevor has cemented Aristocrat’s product leadership across regulated markets, while growing share in all key markets that Aristocrat operates in and unlocking significant benefits from the company’s increasing scale. Aristocrat is well positioned to build on its established momentum and accelerate progress in the years ahead.
Chatfield added that Croker’s “unwavering focus on our people, product and customers” strengthened Aristocrat’s culture.
“Trevor’s principled leadership is reflected in Aristocrat’s deep commitment to its customers and industry sustainability, as well as the company’s pioneering efforts in empowering safer play,” Chatfield said. “During his tenure, Trevor was elected to serve as chair of the leading global trade body, the American Gaming Association, among other industry appointments, amplifying the company’s contribution as a global industry leader and underlying the esteem in which Trevor is held by his peers,” Chatfield added.
Croker noted it was a privilege to lead Aristocrat through a decade of change and opportunity.
“By maintaining focus on our competitiveness, with strong organic investment to grow our share with our customers and disciplined M&A to accelerate strategic opportunities and capabilities, we have further extended Aristocrat’s track record of high-quality growth and positioned the business with exciting optionality for the future,” Croker said.
“Now is therefore the ideal time to begin the process of the CEO transition” Croker said. “I am delighted to congratulate Dafne on her appointment as CEO-elect and look forward to working closely with her over the coming period. Dafne is an outstanding executive who will bring highly relevant and complementary perspectives to the CEO role, along with great energy, passion, commitment and insight.”
Guisard said she was honored to be chosen as CEO, and was excited about opportunities with Aristocrat.
“I look forward to working closely with Trevor, the board and my executive team colleagues to ensure a smooth transition, and accelerate our momentum over coming years,” Guisard said. “I am grateful for the confidence of the board, and the support of Aristocrat’s people and customers as I prepare to take on the role in April next year.”
