Aristocrat Leisure shares on the slide as division boss steps down

Investors have reacted warily to changes near the top of gaming company Aristocrat Leisure.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Aristocrat Leisure has appointed new leaders to two key roles 
  • The company's shares are among the worst performers on the day
  • A new role across marketing and corporate affairs has been created

Shares in the $43.5 billion gaming behemoth Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) are falling more than 3% on Friday after the company announced that the boss of one of its key divisions would step down.

The stock is the second-worst performer in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), falling just more than 3% to be changing hands for $68.13.

Aristocrat told the ASX on Friday morning that Moti Malul, who took the chief executive role at Aristocrat Interactive back in 2018, had stepped down from his role and would depart the business in March next year.

Mr Malul successfully led NeoGames through its acquisition by Aristocrat, and steered the creation of the Aristocrat Interactive business over the past 18 months. Following a comprehensive global search, Dylan Slaney has been appointed to succeed Mr Malul as CEO, Aristocrat Interactive, and is expected to commence on 3 November 2025 subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory pre-approvals.   

Aristocrat said Mr Slaney was a proven "iGaming" executive, with more than 10 years of global experience in the sector.

Mr Slaney was most recently chief executive of Light & Wonder's iGaming business, and had held other leadership positions, Aristocrat said.

"Mr Slaney has a track record of driving operational excellence and a customer first approach that delivers transformative growth,'' the company said.

Three women laughing and enjoying their gambling winnings while sitting at a poker machine.

Image source: Getty Images

More changes afoot

Aristocrat also said its chief corporate affairs officer, Natalie Toohey, was leaving the business to pursue new opportunities after almost seven years in her role.

She has been replaced by Barry French in an expanded role as chief corporate affairs and marketing officer, effective immediately.  

Aristocrat managing director Trevor Croker said he was delighted to welcome the two new leaders to the business.

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A businessman wears armour and holds a shield and sword.
Share Market News

Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on

ASX investors sought safety in defensive sectors last week.

Read more »

A smiling woman at a hardware shop selects paint colours from a wall display.
Broker Notes

Wesfarmers shares: Buy, hold or sell?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on Wesfarmers shares.

Read more »

A couple sits on the bed in their hotel room wearing white robes, both have seen the bad news on their phones.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

EVT flags FY26 EBITDA growth amid hotel strength and portfolio changes

EVT expects EBITDA growth for FY26, with hotels leading performance and ongoing portfolio upgrades supporting future results.

Read more »

Happy smiling young woman drinking red wine while standing among the grapevines in a vineyard.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is everyone buying this beaten-down ASX wine stock now?

Execution will determine if this rally has legs.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is sinking 15% on CEO change

The online furniture retailer has announced a leadership change today.

Read more »

Woman customer and grocery shopping cart in supermarket store, retail outlet or mall shop. Female shopper pushing trolley in shelf aisle to buy discount groceries, sale goods and brand offers.
Broker Notes

Should you buy Woolworths shares for the 'steady dividends'?

A leading analyst provides his outlook for Woolworths rebounding shares.

Read more »

A close up of a casino card dealer's hands shuffling a deck of cards at a professional gambling table with the eager faces of casino patrons in the background.
Share Gainers

Why is everyone buying Tabcorp shares this week?

Here's what is driving the latest price momentum for Tabcorp shares, and what to expect next.

Read more »

A group of people clink wine glasses in an outdoor, late afternoon setting to celebrate the rising Treasury Wine share price
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why are Treasury Wine shares rocketing 16% today?

Investors are piling into Treasury Wine shares on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »