Josh Wilson Steps Down as CEO of SciPlay After 13 Years

Josh Wilson will conclude his term as head of SciPlay, the social casino division of Light & Wonder, at the end of his contract on October 30. The executive transition, announced on September 17, places Oliver Chow, Chief Financial Officer of Light & Wonder, as the interim head of SciPlay while the next leadership is defined. Wilson's departure marks the end of a 13-year professional relationship characterized by various executive roles and strategic development of the division.

Josh Wilson's Journey at Light & Wonder and SciPlay

Wilson joined the company in December 2013 when it operated under the name Scientific Games. He initially held the executive director position for social gaming products, expanding responsibilities as Vice President of Product, and later as Vice President of Product and Operations. In April 2016, he assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the social gaming sector. It was in January 2019 that he was appointed CEO of the social division, months before this unit adopted the name SciPlay following the spinoff that same year.

Wilson’s experience in the social casino ecosystem dates back to earlier roles at Williams Interactive, where he led the social gaming sector from June 2012 to December 2013, and a decade as the Director of Online Gaming at the provider Phantom EFX (2001-2012).

New Transition and Interim Leadership at SciPlay

With Josh Wilson’s departure, Light & Wonder has entrusted Oliver Chow, current CFO, with the temporary management of SciPlay. This move ensures continuity in leadership during the search for a new CEO. According to Matt Wilson, President and CEO of Light & Wonder, the current team "has a deep knowledge of the business, the brands, and their players," which will allow for operational stability during the transition.

“Josh has made a substantial contribution to SciPlay over more than two decades, leading the business to its public offering and building a market-leading portfolio of titles alongside a strong team and robust culture. I appreciate his contributions and wish him the best. We will take the necessary time to appoint the right leader for the next stage of SciPlay,” Matt Wilson stated.

Unchanged Strategy in the Social Casino Business

Light & Wonder publicly stated that Josh Wilson's exit does not alter its roadmap for the social casino division or the management of its brand portfolio. The commitment to the segment remains unwavering, both in product terms and in direct-to-consumer strategy and business development in North America.

Matt Wilson emphasized that "confidence in the social casino category, in the brands of SciPlay, and in direct-to-consumer growth opportunities remains intact" following the announcement.

Recent Performance and Outlook for SciPlay

In August, Light & Wonder reported revenues of AUD 828 million (equivalent to GBP 433.4 million) for the second quarter of 2026. This positive performance is attributed primarily to the strong performance of its operations in North America, a key market for the growth of social gaming and online casino verticals.

On the Search for New Leadership and the Executive Market

The search process for the new executive figure will be gradual to ensure the right selection. During this time, interim management will prioritize operational stability and the continuity of strategic initiatives. As a reference within talent providers, Arnold Ash serves as a partner of executive recruitment for EGR, specializing in the recruitment and evaluation of leaders for iGaming sector organizations.