Scientific Games CEO Pat McHugh to Retire September 8 as Board Names Kevin Schneider Interim Successor

Scientific Games announced that CEO Pat McHugh will retire on September 8 after more than 20 years with the company. The board has appointed Kevin Schneider as interim CEO effective upon McHugh’s retirement while it conducts a search for a permanent successor. McHugh will remain with Scientific Games in an advisory role as vice chair.

David Nowak, Scientific Games chairman and Brookfield Private Equity Group president, thanked McHugh for his leadership. “Throughout his career, Pat has helped strengthen the company, expand its global lottery business and build trusted relationships with customers around the world,” Nowak said. The board has full confidence in Schneider to lead as interim CEO.

McHugh began his lottery career with GTECH in 1992 before joining Scientific Games in 2004 as vice president of North American operations. Over the next 18 years he advanced through leadership positions including president of North America Lottery Systems, senior vice president of global lottery systems and chief executive of the lottery division before being named CEO in 2022. During his more than 30-year career in the lottery industry, McHugh helped shape the evolution of lottery technology, operations and innovation.

McHugh’s Contributions to Global Lottery Expansion

McHugh helped lead the expansion of Scientific Games’ global lottery business. He advanced strategic innovations across lottery games, products and digital and retail technologies. He played a role in positioning the company for its next chapter after Brookfield Business Partners’ acquisition of the lottery business in 2022.

McHugh stated that he is proud of what the company accomplished together, achieving new heights and many industry firsts. He added that announcing his retirement now allows the board to conduct an open search while ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Schneider’s Executive Experience in Regulated Sectors

Kevin Schneider joined the Scientific Games board in 2022 and was elected vice chair in March 2026. During his board service he worked with 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 leading global businesses in highly regulated industries.

Prior to joining the board, Schneider served as chief operating officer of Genworth Financial. He previously led its U.S. Mortgage Insurance and Global Mortgage Insurance businesses as president and CEO. Earlier executive leadership positions with GE Capital and GATX strengthened his experience in operations, commercial strategy and organizational leadership.

Schneider stated that Scientific Games has earned the trust of lottery customers around the world through decades of partnership, innovation and operational excellence. As reported by CDC Gaming, the interim appointment provides continuity and service customers have come to expect while the board completes its search.

Reporting: CDC Gaming