Gaming device maker Aruze Gaming America Inc. has started a game of musical chairs as part of its reorganization, the company announced on Tuesday.
The reorganization comes as the company faces a patent breach suit that Japanese gaming firm Universal Entertainment Corp. filed last month.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Aruze announced the resignation of Richard Pennington as president, chief administrative officer, and chief financial officer of the company. Pennington will be retained as the vice chairman of Aruze’s board of director and will become a senior advisor for the new CFO and to chief executive Takahiro Usui.
“I am extremely proud to have been a member of executive management at Aruze for the last seven years. I truly wish I could continue for another seven years, but my personal situation makes that impractical,” Pennington said.
Eric Persson took the Aruze president’s seat from Pennington and will also join the company’s board of directors.
Persson was quoted saying “I’m excited to be a part of this opportunity and to utilise the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 18 years to take Aruze’s sales, marketing, and research and development to the next level.”
Yugo Kinoshita, who had been Aruze COO and a board member, was appointed CFO and chief strategic officer. He will be tasked with overseeing the company’s strategic planning process, as well as continuing to manage manufacturing operations.
Aruze’s chief legal officer Robert Ziems was appointed corporate secretary and will also join the company’s board.
“These organizational changes enhance our leadership capabilities and give Aruze the best opportunity to fulfill its mission.” Usui said in a statement, adding that the company was “continually looking at adapting our organization in response to changes in the gaming market and personal situations.”
