After nearly two decades with Aristocrat Leisure and a decade at the helm, Trevor Croker is preparing to retire as CEO. He is set to leave the company in April 2027.
Croker joined Aristocrat in 2009 as Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. He steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the supplier's CEO in 2017.
Under Croker's leadership, Aristocrat significantly increased its annual revenue, growing from approximately A$2.4bn (US$1.72bn) in 2017 to A$6.3bn in fiscal 2025. In FY2026, revenue slipped to A$6.09bn, down 3.2% in reported currency. However, profitability remained resilient, with profit after tax rising 15.2% to A$1.36bn while normalised EBITA increased by 0.1%.
Yes, the numbers matter, but Croker’s legacy is vital as the driver of this growth.
Building on Aristocrat's global presence
When Croker became CEO in March 2017, Aristocrat was already an established international gaming supplier. In the last full reporting period before he took the reins, the group was on an upward trajectory, reporting revenue growth of more than 34% for fiscal 2016, which ended September 30.
At the time, the company was already licensed by more than 200 regulators and its products and services were available in over 90 countries worldwide. Croker continued to build on this foundation.
During the first months of his role at the top, Aristocrat reported another year of revenue growth in fiscal 2017, driven by strong momentum in the Americas and sustained performance in Australia.
During Croker's tenure, Aristocrat received numerous Global Gaming Awards, often winning several in a single ceremony - an achievement matched by very few companies in the industry
Early in his CEO tenure, Croker built on Aristocrat's existing North American expansion strategy, further strengthening the company's position in one of the world's most important gaming markets.
In fiscal 2018, the first full reporting period under Croker's leadership, the group reported a 48% revenue increase and delivered record profits.
How did Croker help expand Aristocrat's online gaming business?
He continued the company's strategic M&A activity, completing the acquisitions of Plarium Global and Big Fish early in his tenure. In 2017, Big Fish was among the world's six largest digital social casino game publishers. Combined with Product Madness's revenues, these businesses helped Aristocrat become the world's second-largest social digital casino publisher.
Aristocrat later divested these businesses as it repositioned its portfolio to focus more heavily on markets such as online real-money gaming.
In 2023, the group completed the acquisition of B2B supplier Roxor Gaming and announced its proposed acquisition of NeoGames.
Following the completion of the NeoGames acquisition, Aristocrat Interactive was formed, covering online real-money gaming, iLottery and sports betting technology. In 2024, Croker described expansion into the online real money gaming sector as the "largest growth opportunity" for the gaming equipment and content supplier.
What kept Aristocrat competitive in the land-based gaming?
Under Croker's leadership, Aristocrat continued to flourish as a land-based supplier giant, with its cabinets and slots installed across gaming floors worldwide.
Despite its growing focus on digital and online operations, the company maintained significant investment in its traditional gaming business, developing new titles, upgrading its gaming cabinets and strengthening relationships with casino operators worldwide.
Industry recognition at Global Gaming Awards
During Croker's tenure, Aristocrat received numerous Global Gaming Awards, often winning several in a single ceremony – an achievement matched by very few companies in the industry.
Ultimately, Croker's legacy at Aristocrat will be defined by the company's financial growth and strategic transformation
At the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026 in Las Vegas, Aristocrat Gaming won both the Class II and Class III Land-Based Supplier of the Year Awards. Additionally, its Monopoly Big Board Bucks game was named Land-Based Slot of the Year.
Whether EMEA, APAC or Americas, Aristocrat's games and industry leadership have often won them top spot. As the figurehead at the top of the corporation, Croker gets ultimate credit for all of those achievements.
What defines Croker's legacy at Aristocrat?
Ultimately, Croker’s legacy at Aristocrat will be defined by the company’s financial growth and strategic transformation. He helped strengthen Aristocrat’s position in the land-based gaming market and expand its reach into online real-money gaming, iLottery and gaming technology.
Croker leaves behind a broader and more diversified business than the one he inherited in 2017.
Passing the torch: Dafne Guisard takes the reins
Dafne Guisard, who joined Aristocrat in February 2026, will succeed Croker. Guisard previously served as Aristocrat's Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; she also oversaw the company's Product Madness social casino business. Croker will support Guisard's transition into the role for 12 months after the announcement.
Guisard's appointment is still subject to regulatory approvals; however, Chairman Neil Chatfield believes this internal appointment would support continuity as the company prepares for its next phase of development.
When Guisard takes over from Croker, she will have big shoes to fill as she carries forward the established legacy of an award-winning, financially strong and diversified global gaming company.
Croker joined Aristocrat when its shares were worth less than AU$4. He leaves with them worth over AU$65.
Under Croker, Aristocrat’s market capitalisation has quadrupled to almost AU$40bn
