Glisson tapped as Summit CEO
GameTech International, Inc., a leading supplier of electronic bingo equipment and video lottery terminals and parent company to Montana-based Summit Gaming, announced Feb. 24 that Floyd "Bud" Glisson, a recent addition to its board of directors, has been named as president and CEO-elect of the company.
Glisson's appointment became effective March 15.
GameTech International Executive Chairman of the Board Richard Fedor made the announcement after former president and CEO, Jay Meilstrup, tendered his resignation from the company and the board, effective Feb. 23. Mr. Fedor will serve as interim-President and CEO until March 15.
"We are very pleased that a person of Bud Glisson's stature has agreed to lead GameTech," said Fedor. "He is an excellent complement to our management team, with tremendous leadership experience in building and running a successful gaming and technology business, as the CEO of Acres Gaming, as well as extensive financial experience as the CFO of a multi-billion dollar unit of ConAgra.
"This type of experience, understanding, leadership vision and skill is exactly what GameTech needs to grow to the next level as the company of choice for players and gaming operators," Fedor said.
The company previously announced Glisson's appointment as a member of the board of directors, on Feb. 18.
GameTech also announced the election of Steven M. Rittvo to serve as a director of the company, pending applicable regulatory approval.
Fedor said, "Mr. Rittvo is a highly respected figure in the gaming industry who will add a valuable perspective and further complement our current board."
Glisson has extensive leadership experience in both the private sector and in the gaming industry, according to a company news release. He joined the board of directors of Acres Gaming, Inc. in 1997, was appointed to serve as CEO in 1998, and in 2000 also became chairman.
Glisson served as both CEO and chairman of Acres Gaming until the company became a subsidiary of International Game Technology, Inc. in 2003. Glisson has also served as senior vice president, finance and administration, and chief financial officer for ConAgra Grocery Products Company, a unit of ConAgra, Inc., from April 1995 to July 1998. Most recently, Glisson's experience includes roles as managing member of several private investment funds.
Rittvo is the chairman and CEO of The Innovation Group, a gaming, hospitality and leisure industry consulting firm that he co-founded in 1993. In his various roles with the Innovation Group, Rittvo has advised and participated in gaming studies for clients ranging from Caesars Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Pinnacle, Mandalay Bay, Isle of Capri, Harrah's, Trump Hotels and Casinos, as well as numerous Native American tribes and government agencies throughout the United States and the world.
Both Glisson and Rittvo have been elected to serve as directors until the company's 2010 annual meeting of stockholders and will also be nominated for re-election by the company's stockholders along with five other current board members at the 2010 annual meeting, the news release said.