Former Foster’s Group executive Jamie Odell has been appointed to the role of CEO for gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat and will step into the position at the end of the month.
The ex managing director of Foster’s Australia, Asia and Pacific left last November, having been responsible for the beverage business across Asia-Pacific, also previously heading up the company’s wine division.
Odell will replace Aristocrat’s Paul Oneile, who stepped down from his role in September before the gaming company downgraded its profit guidance, when it announced it expected an operating profit after tax of $120 million to $150 million for the year ending December 31, 2008.
The company had forecast in July an expected operating profit after tax of $190 million to $200 million.
Aristocrat acknowledged in October that global operating conditions had significantly deteriorated last year due to a number of factors, including a slow uptake of new games and machines, delays in new product releases and a softening Australian dollar.