McHugh has led Scientific Games as CEO since April 2022. Prior to this, he served in a series of senior roles across the business including as chief executive of its lottery division and senior vice president of global lottery systems.
After retiring, McHugh will remain with Scientific Games in an advisory role as vice chair to support the leadership transition.
Scientific Games said McHugh will remain in his current role until 8 September. From that date, Kevin Schneider will act as interim CEO until the business completes its search for a permanent successor.
“Announcing my retirement now allows the board to conduct an open search for the best leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth while ensuring a smooth leadership transition,” McHugh said. “Scientific Games has an experienced leadership team, talented employees and a bright future. I look forward to seeing it continue serving lotteries around the world.”
Scientific Games: McHugh ‘helped shape lottery evolution’
In total, McHugh has spent more than 30 years working within the lottery industry. He joined the sector in 1992 when he became manager of worldwide projects at GTECH, now International Game Technology.
He took a four-year break from the industry to work with Digimarc ID Systems before making the move back to GTECH to take on the role of director of project and process management.
One year later he joined Scientific Games, where he would remain for the rest of his lottery career. He started as vice president of North American operations before working his way up the company, serving in various management and senior roles, before eventually becoming CEO in 2022.
McHugh also played a key role in positioning the company for its next chapter following Brookfield Business Partners’ acquisition of the lottery business in 2022.
Scientific Games chairman David Nowak paid tribute to the outgoing McHugh. He said that during his career, he helped to shape the evolution of lottery technology, operations and innovation.
“Throughout his career, Pat has helped strengthen the company, expand its global lottery business and build trusted relationships with customers around the world,” Nowak said. “We appreciate his continued support during this transition.”
Schneider backed to bridge the CEO gap
Nowak also spoke of his confidence about Schneider filling in as interim CEO. Schneider has been a Scientific Games board member since 2022 and became vice-chair in March this year.
He brings with him more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across a range of industries. This includes spells as chief operating officer of Genworth Financial, while he also led both its US Mortgage Insurance and Global Mortgage Insurance businesses as president and CEO.
“Kevin has a deep understanding of our business, and he is a proven leader,” Nowak said. “Kevin and our experienced leadership team will continue executing the company’s strategy while providing the continuity and service our customers have come to expect as the board conducts its search for our next CEO.”
Another senior departure at Scientific Games
Incidentally, McHugh stepping down marks the second senior exit at Scientific Games in the past few months.
In mid-May, it was confirmed that Nick Negro was exiting as chief financial officer after more than three years with the company. He departed the company just days after the news was made public.
Ray Anderson continues to serve as interim CFO as the search for a replacement continues.
Dingnews.com 05/08/2026