Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:ALL) has announced that Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Trevor Croker intends to retire from his role in April 2027, with the Board naming Dafne Guisard as CEO-elect to succeed him, subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory pre-approvals.

Key Points

  • Trevor Croker will retire as CEO and Managing Director in April 2027 after more than a decade in the role and 18 years in senior leadership at Aristocrat.
  • Dafne Guisard has been appointed CEO-elect, subject to any necessary regulatory pre-approvals, and is expected to assume the role in April 2027 following a comprehensive transition.
  • Guisard joined Aristocrat's executive team in early 2026 as Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA, and has also taken on responsibility for the Product Madness operating business.
  • Trevor Croker will remain with the company and support Guisard for twelve months from the date of the announcement.
  • Guisard will relocate to Las Vegas from Aristocrat's London office to take up the CEO role.

Dafne Guisard's Background and Qualifications

Prior to joining Aristocrat in February 2026, Guisard served as Chief Operating Officer of global gaming company Entain, where she ran operations across more than 30 regulated markets, leading more than 2,500 people across six global divisions. Before that, she was Chief Strategy, Transformation and Digital Officer at The Kraft Heinz Company, and spent nine years in executive commercial and finance roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev, along with roles in investment banking and consulting. Guisard holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, a Master of Science from MIT, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Board Statement on the Leadership Transition

Aristocrat Board Chairman Neil Chatfield said the Board considers Guisard the ideal choice to succeed Croker, describing her as an executive with a strong commitment to customers and deep product and technology skills. Chatfield noted the Board had regard to the benefits of an internal appointment, including performance continuity and scope for a seamless transition. Chatfield also acknowledged Croker's service, noting the company's market capitalisation grew fourfold to almost $40 billion and an EPSA compound annual growth rate of 15% was delivered over Croker's tenure as CEO.

Statements from Outgoing and Incoming CEO

Trevor Croker said the current time is the ideal moment to begin the CEO transition process, and expressed confidence in Guisard's appointment. Croker said he looks forward to working closely with her over the coming period. Dafne Guisard said she is deeply honoured to be chosen to lead the business and looks forward to working closely with Croker, the Board, and executive team colleagues to ensure a smooth transition. The filing states that a biographical summary and a summary of Guisard's key contract terms are attached to the company disclosure.