Scientific Games on Monday announced that CEO Pat McHugh will retire on September 8 after more than 20 years with the company.
The board has appointed Kevin Schneider as interim CEO, effective upon McHugh’s retirement, as it conducts a search for a permanent successor.
McHugh will remain with Scientific Games in an advisory role as Vice Chair to support the leadership transition.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Pat for his leadership and his many contributions to Scientific Games over the past two decades,” Scientific Games Chairman and Brookfield Private Equity Group President David Nowak said in a statement. “Throughout his career, Pat has helped strengthen the company, expand its global lottery business and build trusted relationships with customers around the world. We appreciate his continued support during this transition.
“The board has initiated the search for our next CEO and has full confidence in Kevin to lead the company as interim CEO. Serving on the board since 2022 and as Vice Chair since March 2026, Kevin has a deep understanding of our business, and he is a proven leader. Kevin and our experienced leadership team will continue executing the company’s strategy while providing the continuity and service our customers have come to expect as the board conducts its search for our next CEO.”
According to a news release, during his more than 30-year career in the lottery industry, McHugh helped shape the evolution of lottery technology, operations and innovation.
He began his lottery career with GTECH in 1992 before joining Scientific Games in 2004 as Vice President of North American Operations. Over the next 18 years, he advanced through a series of leadership positions, including President of North America Lottery Systems, Senior Vice President of Global Lottery Systems and Chief Executive, Lottery Division, before being named CEO in 2022.
A news release said McHugh helped lead the expansion of Scientific Games’ global lottery business, advanced strategic innovations across lottery games, products and digital and retail technologies, and played a role in positioning the company for its next chapter after Brookfield Business Partners’ acquisition of the lottery business in 2022.
“I am grateful to have worked alongside so many talented colleagues and to have partnered with lottery customers around the world throughout my career, many of whom I consider friends,” said McHugh. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, achieving new heights and many industry firsts, and I am grateful for the trust our customers and business partners have placed in Scientific Games.
“Announcing my retirement now allows the board to conduct an open search for the best leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth while ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Scientific Games has an experienced leadership team, talented employees and a bright future, and I look forward to seeing it continue serving lotteries around the world.”
Schneider joined the Scientific Games board in 2022 and was elected Vice Chair in March. During his board service, he worked with fellow directors and the executive leadership team on the company’s strategic, commercial and operational priorities.
He brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience leading global businesses in highly regulated industries.
Prior to joining the Scientific Games board, Schneider served as Chief Operating Officer of Genworth Financial and previously led its U.S. Mortgage Insurance and Global Mortgage Insurance businesses as President and CEO.
Earlier executive leadership positions with GE Capital and GATX strengthened Schneider’s experience in operations, commercial strategy and organizational leadership.
“Scientific Games has earned the trust of lottery customers around the world through decades of partnership, innovation and operational excellence,” Schneider said. “I appreciate the board’s confidence and the opportunity to serve as interim CEO. I look forward to working alongside our leadership team as we continue executing our strategy, supporting our customers and delivering the operational excellence that defines Scientific Games.”
