Dafne Guisard

Dafne Guisard was announced as Aristocrat's new CEO effective April 2027. With a background in tech and computer engineering, Guisard has been working in the gambling industry since 2025, when she joined Entain as COO.  

From Brazil to Miami to Brazil 

Guisard was born in Brazil, where she lived for a portion of her childhood. As a true Brazilian, she often speaks of her love for football. In an interview with Where Women Work, Guisard remembered screaming at the top of her lungs the night Brazil won the 1994 World Cup.  

Eventually her mother decided to move her, and her two siblings, to Miami.  

In that same interview, Guisard said that the move "changed their lives." However, she also said that, as an immigrant, it was very difficult for her to get access to education. "So, I made the decision to go to college in Brazil," she told the outlet. "I studied really hard and I got to pursue my dream of becoming a computer engineer."  

After returning to the US, Guisard decided to continue her education and managed to earn an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.  

How did Guisard get into the gaming industry?

Guisard began her career in 2008, working in strategy and operations for a consulting firm. In 2011, she brought her technology and financial services experience to Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment banking firm. 

There, she worked in the Investment Management Division, further developing her growth strategy and revenue management skills.  

In 2013, Guisard entered the beverage industry, diversifying her skillset. She worked for AB inBev in New York, the world's largest brewing company, for nine years. Starting as Global Manager of Digital Capabilities, Guisard helped the company drive mobile-first marketing.   

By 2016, she was Group VP and GM, running a $3bn portfolio and leading commercial teams across three continents. Guisard concluded her time at the brewing giant as Group SVP, Strategy, Insights and Commercial Operations, having added approximately $2bn in net sales by 2021.   

She then continued working in digital organisation, product and engineering as Chief Strategy, Transformation and Digital Officer for Kraft Heinz, the third largest food and beverage company in North America.  

In her role, her responsibility was to transform the company into a leader at the intersection of food and tech, while defining investment strategies focused on growth and innovation. Guisard's time at Kraft Heinz also led her to being placed among AdAge's Top 13 AI Marketing Leaders to Watch in 2023. 

Moreover, during her tenure, one of the company's products was recognised in Time's best inventions of 2023 list.  

Enter Entain: The start of an iGaming career 

Guisard made her debut in the gambling industry in 2025, when she took on the role of COO at Entain.  In the previously mentioned interview with Where Women Work, Guisard explained what drew her to the company. 

"It was the combination of being in a growing industry in entertainment; being a technology-driven company, a space that is a passion of mine; and having the ability to build products that people touch and interact with. It was a fantastic combination of all three things, and it’s not easy to find elsewhere." 

When asked about her personal opinions of iGaming, Guisard explained that she enjoys "the behind the scenes," specifically the science behind iGaming programming and the possibilities that lie within.  

When Guisard's appointment was announced, former Entain CEO, Gavin Isaacs, said: "Dafne brings a wealth of experience in driving strategic growth and delivering transformation on a global scale.  

Her appointment will help place Entain at the leading edge of innovation, as well as strengthen the executive management team as we build on a period of stronger-than-expected revenue growth and key market expansion. Dafne will be a tremendous asset to Entain.” 

By the end of her time at the company, in February 2026, the company had recorded five consecutive quarters of growth. For Q3 2025, Entain's NGR grew 4%, with its online NGR increasing by 5%.  

Furthermore, BetMGM's net revenue for the third quarter grew 23%, surpassing its previous guidance. Speaking to investors, new CEO Stella David said: "Entain’s transformation continues at pace, with our strategic execution and expanding bandwidth delivering growth across our portfolio. Whilst we still have more to do, our Q3 performance is further evidence of the quality of our diverse business and its underlying momentum." 

Aristocrat's newest CEO: Succeeding Trevor Croker 

In February 2026, Guisard joined Aristocrat as Chief Commercial Officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In November 2026, Guisard was appointed CEO of Aristocrat Leisure. In April 2027, she will succeed Trevor Croker, who has held the position for almost a decade.  

Under Croker's leadership, Aristocrat acquired developer Plarium and Big Fish Games, before selling both in 2025 to focus on mobile social casino games. Prior to her appointment, Guisard also oversaw Aristocrat's Product Madness social casino business, which generated more than $1bn in revenue during the 2025 financial year. 

As part of her new role, she relocates from London to Las Vegas and receives an annual fixed remuneration of $1.05m. Chairman of Aristocrat's Board, Neil Chatfield, said of the appointment: "The Board considers Dafne the ideal choice to succeed Trevor. 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.” 

In the company's official press release, Guisard said: "I am deeply honoured to be chosen to lead this great business as CEO and am excited at the opportunities ahead. 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. 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." 

The legacy Guisard inherits includes several Global Gaming Awards, as the supplier regularly won multiple in one ceremony – one of very few companies to achieve this feat.  

Most recently, Aristocrat picked up both the Class II and Class III Land-Based Supplier of the Year Awards.