IGT MD for Latin America, John Wimsett:

From Strength to Strength in Latin America


In London, John Wimsett, IGT Managing Director for Latin America, talked to Ricki Chavez-Muñoz, editor of regional magazine Casino International Americano, on the global leader’s commitment in this exciting region.

When International Game Technology - IGT - sold the first machines to the South American region, to a casino in Lima, Peru, back in 1993, you would have thought that it was the greatest sale in its history. IGT sent its very best engineers to install the machines and to train the local techs, on 30 refurbished machines!

Since then, IGT has remained the industry’s undisputable regional leader. However, much water has passed under the bridge and many companies from all continents have entered the exciting Latin American region. Local manufacturers have also sprung up here and there, and although without the technological edge of the global companies, have also managed to keep companies like IGT very much on their toes!

Some 18 months ago in Amsterdam, Kurt Quartier, VP International Casinos, told me that IGT had named JohnWimsett as the company’s Managing Director for Latin America and Central America. In a short period of time, Wimsett, an IGT veteran with vast expertise in the industry covering 4 continents, has made a telling impact. There is evidence of an absolute commitment to the region with IGT having increased its number of employees to more than sixty. In addition, Wimsett has recognised a need to integrate all of its operations on one site. From May of this year all of IGT’s Buenos Aires based staff will work from one central location.

CIAM: What are the principal changes to the IGT regional operation in Argentina?

JW: “Our immediate focus has been in two areas - human resources and product. It’s pretty simple – having the very best games and systems is important, but equally important is having the very best people to deliver, sell and support those products. In less than 12 months we increased the number of employees from 40 to more than sixty. At the same time we have launched a library of high performing games that I believe is second to none.”

CIAM: I hear that you are moving to new premises in Buenos Aires. Could you confirm this?

JW: “IGT is investing substantially in state of the art premises in Buenos Aires. The new facility will allow for the total integration of our operations and for the first time all of our staff will be under one roof. We believe strongly in providing the best possible facilities for our staff and know that by doing so we enhance even further our ability to support our customers. We move very soon and I look forward to being in the same work environment as the people who build, dispatch, support and even sell our amazing range of products.”

CIAM: It was great to see that IGT gave Latin America due recognition with the world-wide launch of, Sex and The City in Argentina. Are there similar plans for a new game launch this year?

JW: "We have a very aggressive plan for product launches throughout 2010 and beyond. Our premium library has been enhanced with such themes as Back to the Future, Indiana Jones MLP and new games for the ever popular themes Party Time, fort Knox and Wheel of Fortune.”

CIAM: The themes you mention fall into IGT’s premium category. What about your plans for what your customers might call “standard” themes

JW: “Today IGT offers more of the top themes than any supplier worldwide. Our commitment to doing so is stronger than ever. In the next 12 months we plan to launch more than twenty new themes in Latin America, even more if necessary.”

CIAM: Would you let us know of any additional plans that IGT has for the region?

JW: “I just want to continue to focus on having the best people, the best product and the best support. I’ve had 18 years with IGT and I know only too well that no company is better positioned to deliver these three critical elements.”

CIAM: What about systems and server based gaming – are these part of your vision for Latin America?

JW: “Absolutely. IGT’s vision is consistent with what every slot manager and marketing manager dreams of – the ability to deliver the right game at the right time in a way that is appealing to the customer and optimal for the operator. Our systems do that and even more. They provide marketing tools that are limited only by the imagination of those who operate them. We recognise that the best systems will be the central tool for the best operators. The systems group that we have put together in Latin America is proof of our commitment. With 18 software engineers, trainers, installers and support staff we are definitely leading the way. Nobody can claim to have anything like the development and support commitment of IGT in Latin America”.
(E-03.05.10)