IGT has appointed Jamie Knight as its next Chief Studios Officer from January 2027, following the retirement of Jean Venneman from the role at the end of the year.
Knight will direct IGT’s studio investment to develop game design, content, mechanics, mathematical modelling and operations, utilising two decades of experience to help the game creation process.
Commenting on her new role, Knight said: “I’m energised to lead our studio teams and build on the strong foundation in place.
“Together with our talented teams across IGT and Everi, we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible in game design, content strategy, and math innovation to deliver world-class experiences on the floor.”
Retiring on 31 December 2026, Venneman began her career at IGT in the 1990s, going on to work in senior leadership roles across product development, licensing, technology and operations before rejoining the company in 2024.
Venneman noted: “Returning to this organisation and helping strengthen our global studio organisation has been a meaningful way to close my career.
“I am incredibly proud of our studio teams and the foundation we have created. I am confident Jamie will carry that momentum forward and help unlock the next phase of our growth.”
IGT stated that Venneman’s return helped rebuild its studio operations, establish best practices, and develop a foundation that positions IGT and Everi for future growth.
Hector Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer at IGT, added: “Jean’s leadership created the foundation for this next phase of growth. She brought together talented teams, strengthened how our studios operate and raised the bar for creative and operational excellence. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed to our organisation and our industry.
“Jamie’s combination of creative instinct, studio leadership and focus on innovation in design and math will build on that momentum and unlock new possibilities across our combined studio organisation.”
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