SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - May 9, 2012) - Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) today announced that Atul Bali has been appointed to succeed Nick Khin as President, Aristocrat Americas, effective 30 June 2012 and subject to regulatory approvals.

Atul Bali will be joining Aristocrat from the XEN Group, where he has been CEO since 2010 and overseen the expansion of the Group's portfolio of social media, data technology, online gaming and ecommerce businesses. Atul previously held leadership roles at Grupo Lottomatica, including President of the GTECH G2 division and Group SVP for Corporate Development and Strategy. A chartered accountant, Atul began his career with KPMG in the United Kingdom. Atul will move to Las Vegas in mid-June to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

Nick Khin joined Aristocrat in 2002, serving in a number of senior roles in Australia and Europe before being promoted to lead the Americas business in 2008. After a decade with Aristocrat, and having made important progress in the critical US market over the past three and a half years, Nick has decided to take a break with his family before pursuing new opportunities.

Aristocrat Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Jamie Odell, said "I'm delighted to be welcoming a proven leader of Atul's calibre to guide our Americas business through the second half of our turnaround program.

"Atul's deep understanding of regulated lotteries, online gaming, gaming technology and other strategically significant opportunities makes him a particularly valuable addition to our team.

"In addition, Atul's broad global experience and familiarity with the US market make him an excellent choice to build on the progress already made in the Americas and ensure we meet our full potential in what is a core region for Aristocrat.

"I also want to acknowledge Nick Khin's leadership and outstanding commitment throughout his time at Aristocrat, particularly in driving significant change in our Americas business over the past three and a half years.

"On behalf of everyone at Aristocrat, I extend a warm welcome to Atul and wish Nick every success in his future endeavours," Mr. Odell concluded.

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading global provider of gaming. The Group is licensed by over two hundred regulators and its products and services are available in over ninety countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video terminal systems and casino management systems. For further information visit the Group's website at [ www.aristocratgaming.com ].