On June 7, Aruze announced that longtime CEO Takahiro Usui would be stepping down after 14 years in his position. He will be replaced by Chief Financial Officer Yugo Kinoshita in a shakeup at the top that also included Hiromi Okada joining the board of directors.

Takahiro Usui is stepping down at the end of this month for what has been described as “personal reasons.” He helped to turn Aruze into a worldwide leader in the gaming industry. “The Aruze Board of Directors collectively would like to thank Takahiro for his incredible efforts and accomplishments while at Aruze and we wish him well in all his future endeavors,” explained Vice-Chairman of the Board Rich Pennington.

Under the leadership of Usui, Azure has become one of the most influential companies in the gambling industry. Not only have they added to their portfolio by inking deals with companies such as Walker Digital Table Systems, but have expanded operations into the Mediterranean. This included gaining gaming licenses for both Greece and Cyprus last year.

In his place steps Yugo Kinoshita, who has been serving as both the CFO and the Chief Strategy Officer. While remaining on the board of directors, he will step in as the CEO. He has been with the company since 2012.