Scientific Games CEO Pat McHugh has unveiled his intentions to retire from the position on September 8, with the supplier’s Board of Directors choosing to appoint Vice Chair Kevin Schneider as Interim CEO once the transition takes effect.
"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. 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,” McHugh said.
“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."
McHugh originally joined Scientific Games as VP of North American Operations in 2004, serving with the supplier for over 20 years and eventually earning the Chief Executive position in April 2022.
Speaking on his retirement, Scientific Games Chairman David Nowak said: "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.
"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.”
Schneider joined Scientific Games Board of Directors in 2022 and was elected as Vice Chair in March of this year, having worked closely with fellow Board members to guide the supplier’s strategic, commercial and operational priorities.
"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,” Nowak continued.
“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."
Following his retirement, McHugh will remain with Scientific Games as Vice Chair to support a “seamless” leadership transition. Under his guidance, the supplier expanded its global lottery business and advanced strategic innovations across lottery games, products and digital and retail technologies.
As recently as July 28, the Iowa Lottery formed a new agreement with Scientific Games to help drive growth across its scratch game portfolio management services, representing a “strategic evolution” to the long-standing partnership which first began in 1985.
Scientific Games expanded its collaboration with the Arizona Lottery to introduce a new series of technology system upgrades for sales across the state on July 9, designed to enhance player experience
