Leading slot manufacturer International Game Technology announced the appointment of Eric Berg to the newly created position of president last month.

As has been the practice at IGT since former IT industry executive Patti Hart took over as CEO in 2009, the new appointment comes from outside the gaming industry. Berg was formerly CEO of SunGard Availability Services, a division of software and IT services company SunGard Corporation.

Hart said Berg’s addition will help IGT move to a more global business model. “I felt it was essential to add additional expertise, leadership and capabilities to IGT,” Hart said in a statement. “Eric’s strategic insight, operational intensity and global leadership are perfectly suited to help IGT navigate the next chapter of our business.”

In his new role, Berg will be responsible for driving IGT’s enterprise-wide globalization efforts, helping to grow revenue and managing the company’s sales, products, services, marketing and manufacturing operations. His appointment is effective July 18.

In a separate announcement, IGT revealed that Ron Rivera, senior vice president of sales for North America, is leaving the company. Rivera has been with IGT for more than 18 years, starting as an account executive in 1986 and holding various executive sales positions before being named VP of sales in 1995.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.