CLAIMS TO FAME
- Runs the family business, having succeeded his father as CEO in 2021
It’s been a watershed year for Sega Sammy Holdings, the Japanese gaming conglomerate led by 45-year-old Haruki Satomi.
Satomi, who took over day-to-day operations from his father Hajime when appointed President and Group CEO in 2021 – Hajime is now Chairman and Representative Director – has clearly recognized that the company’s traditional pachinko machine supply business has an unclear future and is instead adopting a more global gaming view.
In May, Sega Sammy released its Medium-term Management Plan, including the creation of a new Gaming Business. This Gaming Business comprises the company’s pachinko segment as well as its 45% stake in the Paradise City integrated resort in Incheon, Korea – a joint venture partnership with majority owner Paradise Co. But the business adds a new iGaming arm resulting from the 2023 acquisition of GAN Limited, which operates a B2B platform business mainly for US casino operators.
In July, Sega Sammy also acquired Netherlands-based B2B iGaming content supplier Stakelogic B.V.
In the land-based gaming segment, the company has recorded a rare US hit by way of video slot machine “Railroad Riches” – helping it maintain group-wide revenues in Q2 despite a decline in its entertainment and computer games segments.
Asia has been crying out for a supplier to challenge the industry’s big boys. Could it be Sega Sammy? Watch this space.
For the full list of 2024 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
