Scientific Games Names Dan Flynn Chief Executive
Flynn, a former Hertz and Caterpillar executive, takes over as CEO effective November 2, 2026, while Kevin Schneider becomes Chairman.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
Scientific Games has appointed Dan Flynn as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2, 2026. Kevin Schneider, who has served as Interim CEO since September 2026, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Why it matters
The appointment fills the leadership vacancy left by Pat McHugh's September 2026 retirement, which followed Schneider's interim tenure. Flynn brings more than 30 years of business and leadership experience across automotive technology, equipment rental and car rental operations.
Flynn oversaw roughly $4 billion in annual sales at Caterpillar's global rental and used equipment business from 2019 to 2022, and a $6.6 billion business with 23,000 employees as Hertz Senior Vice President of North American Operations. The announcement does not address Scientific Games' current financial performance or how the new CEO will approach it.
The players
Scientific Games
Scientific Games is a gaming technology company that has built trusted partnerships with lottery and gaming operators since 1973.
Dan Flynn
Dan Flynn is an executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience who has held senior roles at Hertz, Caterpillar and CDK Global.
Kevin Schneider
Kevin Schneider is a corporate executive who joined the Scientific Games board as an independent director in 2022 and has served as its Vice Chairman and Interim CEO.
Pat McHugh
Pat McHugh is a former Scientific Games chief executive who retired from the role in September 2026.
The details
Flynn most recently served as Chief Transformation Officer at CDK Global, a Brookfield portfolio company that provides technology to automotive retailers, and previously spent more than two decades at Hertz. The appointment was announced by press release, and Flynn will join the company's team at the World Lottery Summit in Sydney from November 9 to 13.
Timeline
2016 to 2019: Flynn served as EVP of Business Transformation and President of North America at CDK Global.
2019 to 2022: Flynn led Caterpillar's global rental and used equipment business.
September 2026: Pat McHugh retired as CEO and Kevin Schneider became Interim CEO.
November 2, 2026: Flynn's appointment as CEO takes effect.
November 9 to 13, 2026: Flynn joins the team at the World Lottery Summit in Sydney.
Market Landscape
Flynn's career spans automotive technology at CDK Global, heavy equipment rental at Caterpillar and vehicle rental at Hertz, a sequence of large operating businesses rather than a gaming background. Scientific Games' choice to hire from outside the lottery and gaming sector signals an emphasis on operational transformation over sector-specific expertise.
For customers and partners of Scientific Games, the leadership change may affect vendor relationships and product direction over time, though the announcement itself does not specify any changes. Lottery operators and gaming partners will be the first to see whether the new CEO's approach alters service or pricing.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at large gaming companies often signal a shift in strategic priorities, and Flynn's operational background suggests a focus on execution and transformation. Readers tracking Scientific Games should watch for his first public statements after the November 2 start date.
What happens next
Flynn's appointment takes effect November 2, 2026, and he joins the team at the World Lottery Summit in Sydney from November 9 to 13.
Further reading
Browse more People coverage across the business section for related leadership moves.
