Aristocrat Leisure has named Dafne Guisard as its incoming chief executive, set to succeed Trevor Croker in April 2027. The announcement arrived alongside the latest annual results, which showed revenue growth of 3.8% in constant currency and a 9.7% rise in adjusted NPATA.
Aristocrat CEO Dafne Guisard takes over from Trevor Croker in April 2027, subject to regulatory pre-approvals. Croker will stay on for 12 months until mid-November 2027. In the year ended September 30, Aristocrat’s revenue grew 3.8% in constant currency and adjusted NPATA rose 9.7%.
- Guisard’s Move From London to Las Vegas
- Results Under Croker’s Leadership
- The Entain and Product Madness Track Record
- Why the Board Picked an Insider
Aristocrat Leisure announced on Thursday that chief executive and managing director Trevor Croker intends to retire in April 2027. The board appointed Dafne Guisard as CEO-elect, subject to any necessary regulatory pre-approvals. She is currently chief commercial officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and will move from the London office to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Croker will remain at the company for 12 months from the announcement, until mid-November 2027, supporting Guisard through the handover. Aristocrat called the process a comprehensive transition, with Guisard expected to succeed Croker in April 2027 following the transition period.
Aristocrat CEO: Guisard Moves From London to Las Vegas
Guisard joined Aristocrat’s executive team in early 2026 as chief commercial officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In that role she also took responsibility for Product Madness, the company’s social gaming arm, giving her direct experience of the fastest-growing part of the business.
She previously served as chief operating officer of Entain, the global gaming company behind Sky Games and PokerStars, and held earlier roles in investment banking and consulting. Her MBA comes from the MIT Sloan School of Management. The board chair, Neil Chatfield, said Guisard was the ideal choice, praising her product and people focus and her commitment to customers.
AGBrief has tracked the slot machine market’s consolidation across Asia and the Americas.
Results Under Croker’s Leadership
The CEO transition was announced on the same day as the annual results for the year ended September 30. Revenue grew 3.8% in constant currency, while adjusted net profit after tax rose 9.7%. Aristocrat attributed the growth to product leadership and market share gains in key markets, citing underlying business momentum.
Chatfield said the company’s market capitalisation had grown fourfold during Croker’s tenure, backed by strong operational performance and profit growth. The chairman credited a refreshed strategy and a step-change in organisational capability for the results, adding that Croker’s contribution to the company and its stakeholders had been outstanding.
iGaming Business has been covering Aristocrat’s slot machine business for more than a decade.
The Entain and Product Madness Track Record
Guisard’s previous role at Entain as chief operating officer gave her exposure to one of the largest gaming operators in the world, with Sky Games, PokerStars and Betfred among its brands. That background pairs directly with the remit she now holds at Aristocrat, where Product Madness runs social gaming content across the group.
The appointment is unusual in a market where senior slot machine roles are usually filled from within the product or technology teams. Guisard’s commercial remit in Europe, the Middle East and Africa means she is already running customer and go-to-market work, while the Product Madness assignment added a direct line to the company’s most dynamic product line.
Why the Board Picked an Insider
Chatfield explained that the board weighed the benefits of an internal appointment, citing performance continuity and the scope for a seamless transition. He also paid tribute to Croker’s tenure, describing it as more than a decade as CEO and 18 years in senior leadership. Croker’s prepared remarks called the timing ideal for beginning the CEO transition, and Guisard said she was deeply honoured to lead the company.
AGBrief notes that the slot machine market has rewarded operators who kept their leadership teams stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Aristocrat CEO transition take effect?
Dafne Guisard is set to succeed Trevor Croker in April 2027, subject to any necessary regulatory pre-approvals. Croker will remain with the company until mid-November 2027, giving him a 12-month overlap with his successor.
Who is the new Aristocrat CEO?
Dafne Guisard, an internal candidate who is currently chief commercial officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She has also run the Product Madness social gaming business and previously served as chief operating officer of Entain.
Why did Aristocrat choose an internal CEO?
Chairman Neil Chatfield said the board valued performance continuity and a seamless transition. Croker is departing in April 2027, with a 12-month overlap planned until November 2027 to support Guisard during the handover.
What were Aristocrat’s results in the latest year?
In the year ended September 30, revenue grew 3.8% in constant currency, driven by product leadership and market share gains in key markets. Adjusted net profit after tax rose 9.7%, supported by a refreshed strategy and stronger organisational capability.
What is Product Madness?
Product Madness is Aristocrat’s social gaming arm. Guisard took responsibility for the business when she joined as chief commercial officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in early 2026, making it a key part of her remit.
What did Croker say about his departure?
Croker said leading Aristocrat through a decade of significant change and opportunity had been a privilege, and that the timing was ideal to begin the CEO transition. The board thanked him for more than a decade in chief and 18 years in senior leadership.
This article has been thoroughly researched and reviewed by the CasinoBait editorial team to ensure accuracy and relevance for Asian casino players.
