Regional casino giant Penn National Gaming said Thursday it has brought in a long time Apple executive to serve as the company’s chief financial officer.
David Williams, who spent more than 20 years as a financial executive with the technology giant, replaces B.J. Fair, who announced in September he planned to step down from the Wyomissing, Pennsylvania-based company. Williams takes over on March 3.
The announcement completes a changeover in Penn’s corporate leadership. Jay Snowden became CEO on Jan. 1, replacing the retired Tim Wilmott.
In a statement, Snowden said Williams’ experience with Apple will be an asset as the company moves to combine its 41 regional properties in 19 states with interactive gaming initiatives.
“Dave bring extensive technology, financial, and strategic growth experience to his new role … as we continue to evolve … to a best-in-class omni-channel provider of retail and online gaming and sports betting entertainment,” Snowden said.
Since 2012, Williams has served as CFO and controller of an Apple division that provides a platform for developing custom apps that are deployed on premise or in the cloud by businesses worldwide. He joined Apple in 1995. Williams is a graduate of San Jose State University.
Last summer, Penn National – which is expected to open two new casinos in Pennsylvania this year – will expand its sports betting operations, signing deals for online sports betting “skins” DraftKings, theScore, PointsBet and Stars Group, covering more than 30 regional casinos.
“I am very impressed by Penn National’s strategic vision and look forward to taking part in the company’s ongoing growth story,” Williams said.
In December, the company announced two new members of the company’s senior management team.
Wilmott, who had been Penn CEO since 2013 and had been with the company since 2008, announced the transition in August. Snowden, who joined Penn in 2011, has been COO since 2014. He and Wilmott worked together previously at Harrah’s Entertainment.
Previously, Snowden said Penn National’s initial efforts will be to “meaningfully deleverage our balance sheet while building on our long-term progress in expanding operating margins.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
