Light & Wonder Taps Simon Johnson as iGaming CEO

Imagine a proven visionary stepping in to lead a global iGaming giant poised for game-changing transformation.

That’s the scenario as Simon Johnson becomes CEO of Light & Wonder’s worldwide iGaming division.

Think of seamless partnerships, unstoppable commercial momentum, and an industry-leading platform redefining the interactive entertainment horizon.

Read on to learn how Johnson will shape Light & Wonder’s path to explosive growth and innovation.

Light & Wonder’s Bold Move: Simon Johnson Takes the Reins as iGaming CEO

3 Key Points

1. Simon Johnson drove global commercial growth before his iGaming CEO appointment.
2. Light & Wonder expands via Bragg Gaming and other third-party content alliances.
3. Matt Wilson leads transformation, with Johnson now central to the Executive Leadership.

Light & Wonder has named Simon Johnson as its new iGaming CEO, confirming an executive move that underscores the company’s ambitions for global expansion. The Nasdaq-listed technology group expects Johnson to spearhead the next phase of innovation, continuing the transformation he helped engineer in previous roles.

A Proven Leader from Within
Johnson joined Light & Wonder in 2017. His background in commercial growth positioned him as a prime candidate to lead the iGaming arm. Before the promotion, he served as Senior Vice President and International Managing Director, honing product strategies and forging partnerships in diverse markets. Now, reporting directly to Matt Wilson, Light & Wonder’s President and CEO, Johnson becomes part of the Executive Leadership Team.

From banking to private equity to telecommunications and financial technology, Johnson’s experience is extensive. He specialized in mergers and acquisitions early on, building robust credentials in cross-border negotiations. This global perspective aligns well with Light & Wonder’s multi-market operations, especially as the iGaming sector intersects with multiple jurisdictions.

Strategy for Growth
Light & Wonder aims to integrate new content partnerships to fortify its presence in regulated markets. A recent collaboration with Bragg Gaming Group demonstrates the brand’s appetite for fresh, high-quality titles. Through this partnership, Bragg’s in-house studios—like Atomic Slot Lab, Indigo Magic, Wild Streak Gaming, and Spin Games—join Light & Wonder’s distribution ecosystem. This synergy elevates the platform’s overall content offerings and ensures a variety of gaming experiences.

Matevž Mazij, CEO at Bragg Gaming Group, lauded Light & Wonder as a “world-leading platform and games provider,” highlighting enormous synergy from the alliance. The arrangement gives Light & Wonder an ample pipeline of newly developed games, while Bragg benefits from the brand’s wide operator network. This reciprocal dynamic may enhance the user experience across online casinos and sports betting sites.

Matt Wilson sees Johnson’s ascension to CEO of iGaming as a natural extension of the company’s overarching strategy. At the heart of it all is the mission to deliver engaging content, advanced platforms, and seamless integration across global markets. With many jurisdictions shaping their own regulations, Light & Wonder invests heavily in local compliance and cutting-edge product design—two key areas where Johnson’s career history proves invaluable.

iGaming Growth in 2025 and Beyond
As iGaming continues its rapid trajectory, top-tier suppliers such as Light & Wonder play a crucial role. The synergy between new product pipelines, like advanced slot engines and socially interactive table games, and robust distribution channels shape the future. With bigger data sets and AI-driven personalization, an accomplished executive team can harness that momentum. Johnson’s knowledge in forging cross-border deals and building strategic relationships bodes well for that cause.

Additionally, the gaming industry navigates complexities ranging from responsible gambling requirements to emergent technologies like blockchain. Johnson’s background suggests he understands these challenges at both macro and micro levels. This expertise might guide Light & Wonder to pursue sustainable growth, enabling stronger compliance measures while capitalizing on opportunities like instant-win verticals or esports expansions.

By appointing Simon Johnson as iGaming CEO, Light & Wonder cements its commitment to a global, content-rich future. After accelerating success in commercial growth roles, Johnson appears ready to elevate the firm’s iGaming division. Coupled with partnerships—like the recent deal with Bragg Gaming—and leadership from Matt Wilson, Light & Wonder’s new direction signals ambition and confidence. The move not only spotlights Johnson’s track record but also promises a surge in platform innovation and content diversity, potentially reshaping the brand’s influence in the thriving world of online gambling.