Aristocrat Leisure has announced the resignation of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Andy Hendrickson, who is set to join a competitor. The company has implemented interim leadership arrangements while conducting an internal and external search for his replacement.

Key Takeaways:

• Hendrickson is leaving Aristocrat after nearly four years in the role.
• The company is actively searching for a permanent successor while maintaining operational stability.
• The resignation follows Aristocrat Interactive’s recent partnership with Incentive Games to expand its gaming offerings.

Leadership Transition & Industry Impact

Hendrickson joined Aristocrat in July 2021, contributing to the company’s growth in both land-based and iGaming sectors. CEO and Managing Director Trevor Croker acknowledged his contributions, stating:

“We thank Andy for his efforts over the last four years and look forward to announcing his successor in due course.”

Under the terms of his contract, Hendrickson is subject to a six-month notice period. However, Aristocrat has not disclosed details about potential candidates for the role.

Expanding iGaming Partnerships

Hendrickson’s departure comes as Aristocrat Interactive, the company’s real-money gaming (RMG) division, continues to expand its global partnerships. This March, the company signed a content distribution deal with Incentive Games, allowing the platform to integrate free-to-play and RMG titles into Aristocrat’s operator network.

This is part of a broader expansion strategy, which includes:

• A partnership with Yggdrasil to distribute content across North America via Aristocrat’s Ignite platform.
• A five-year deal with the Hungarian National Lottery through its iLottery content studio, NeoGames.

Additionally, Aristocrat Interactive has undergone key leadership changes, appointing Nir Hakarmeli as iGaming & Sports Managing Director in February 2025. Hakarmeli brings nearly 15 years of industry experience, having previously held roles at Evoke and William Hill.

Looking Ahead

While Aristocrat has not provided a specific timeline for the appointment of a new CTO, it has assured stakeholders that operations will continue without disruption during the transition.

With Hendrickson’s exit, Aristocrat’s next CTO will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s digital and gaming future, especially as it continues to invest in iGaming and real-money gaming markets.