A New Arena

As a passionate hockey fan and former Edmonton Oilers executive, Darren Simmons is accustomed to navigating fast-paced environments with high stakes.

But his preferred arena focuses on the intersection of financial technology and gaming rather than ice and skates. In 2025, the industry veteran entered his latest chapter by taking the reins as CEO of Fintech for the newly supercharged IGT, fresh off a megamerger with his previous employer, Everi Holdings.

Apollo Global Management is making a big bet on Everi’s Fintech business, which Simmons helped build for nearly a decade prior to Apollo’s $6.3 billion purchase of both companies. Cashless gaming, a rising sector for several years, has yet to grow as stakeholders once expected. Now the private equity behemoth is hoping to unlock the best of both sides, and Simmons is poised to be a key part of those efforts.

“When I compare it to previous experiences, what I appreciate is the continued opportunity to work with tremendously talented and passionate individuals that have a similar mindset to drive the business,” he says.

While the new role is similar “in terms of driving vision and developing and executing on the business strategy,” Simmons says there are some uniquely enticing aspects of the opportunity at IGT, including the ability to work alongside Hector Fernandez, the new IGT CEO and former Aristocrat Gaming chief.

“Under his leadership, I’m excited about the long-term opportunity to unlock value for all stakeholders including our new owners, Apollo, our customers and our amazing employees,” Simmons says.

Such a large-scale merger will inevitably take time to iron out, though the company took the first step by making its public debut under the new regime at October’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. The main priority for this year will be to continue that collaboration and start gaining momentum.

“My biggest focus for 2026 is integration—bringing together the best of Everi and IGT across systems, payments, loyalty, regtech and mobile into one connected ecosystem that creates value and reduces friction for our customers,” he says. “We also want to make sure they feel supported throughout the transition by keeping communication clear, showing early improvements and helping them understand the benefits of what we’re building together.”

That mindset will also apply internally, with many new people in many new places and roles. Simmons is focused on “keeping morale high” and building “a strong culture that brings together the best of both companies” and evolves into something bigger and better.

“This isn’t just about combining products,” he says. “It’s about combining people, capabilities and ideas.”

Outside of work, you’re likely to catch Simmons rinkside as a season ticket holder for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, or perhaps deep in the weeds at Tough Mudder endurance races with his daughter.