Scientific Games has announced that Chief Executive Officer Pat McHugh will retire on September 8, 2026, concluding a distinguished career of more than 20 years with the company and over three decades in the lottery industry.
The company’s Board of Directors has appointed Kevin Schneider as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective upon McHugh’s retirement, while it conducts a search for a permanent successor. Following his retirement, McHugh will continue to support Scientific Games in an advisory capacity as Vice Chair to help ensure a seamless leadership transition.
Two Decades of Leadership
Announcing the transition, David Nowak, Chairman of Scientific Games and President of Brookfield’s Private Equity Group, thanked McHugh for his long-standing contributions to the business. “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,” said Nowak. “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.”
Nowak added that the Board has full confidence in Schneider’s ability to guide the company through the transition period while maintaining focus on Scientific Games’ strategic priorities and customer commitments.
Career defined by Lottery innovation
McHugh’s career in the lottery sector began with GTECH in 1992 before he joined Scientific Games in 2004 as Vice President of North American Operations. Over the next 18 years, he held a series of senior leadership roles, including President of North America Lottery Systems, Senior Vice President of Global Lottery Systems and Chief Executive of the Lottery Division.
He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2022 and played a key role in the continued expansion of Scientific Games’ global lottery business. During his tenure, he helped advance strategic innovations across lottery games, products, retail and digital technologies while contributing to the company’s growth following Brookfield Business Partners’ acquisition of the lottery business in 2022.
Reflecting on his career, McHugh expressed gratitude to colleagues, customers and business partners across the industry. “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,” said McHugh. “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.”
“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.”
Kevin Schneider to lead as Interim CEO
Schneider joined the Scientific Games Board of Directors in 2022 and was elected Vice Chair in March 2026. During his Board service, he worked closely with fellow directors and the executive leadership team on the company’s strategic, commercial and operational priorities.
He brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across highly regulated industries. Prior to joining the Scientific Games Board, Schneider served as Chief Operating Officer of Genworth Financial and previously led its U.S. Mortgage Insurance and Global Mortgage Insurance businesses as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Focus on growth
As Interim CEO, Schneider will work alongside the company’s leadership team to continue executing Scientific Games’ strategy while supporting customers and maintaining the operational excellence for which the business is known.
“Scientific Games has earned the trust of lottery customers around the world through decades of partnership, innovation and operational excellence,” said Schneider. “I appreciate the Board’s confidence and the opportunity to serve as Interim CEO. I look forward to working alongside our leadership team as we continue executing our strategy, supporting our customers and delivering the operational excellence that defines Scientific Games.”
Schneider will remain in the Interim Chief Executive Officer role until a permanent successor is appointed by the Board.
With McHugh remaining involved in an advisory capacity and Schneider assuming interim leadership, Scientific Games is positioning itself for a smooth transition as it continues to support lottery customers worldwide and pursue its next phase of growth and innovation.
