Head of IGNITE

IGNITE is Aristocrat Interactive’s studio incubation and acceleration initiative, designed to identify, support, and scale emerging game studios by providing access to Aristocrat’s platform, distribution network, and expertise. The program plays a key role in driving innovation, expanding content diversity, and building the next generation of strategic supplier partners.

The Head of IGNITE is responsible for defining and accomplishing the IGNITE strategy as a core pillar of Aristocrat Interactive’s Aggregation business. The role leads the development of a differentiated studio incubation and partnership model, driving long-term content innovation, supplier diversification, and commercial growth. Reporting into the VP Aggregation, the role ensures IGNITE delivers strategic and financial value by building a network of promising studios and integrating them into the global aggregation ecosystem.

• IGNITE Strategy & Ownership
  • Define and implement the global IGNITE strategy aligned to Aggregation and wider Interactive objectives.
  • Position IGNITE as a core differentiation lever within the aggregation ecosystem.
  • Own the roadmap for studio incubation, development, and long-term portfolio growth.
  • Contribute to overall aggregation strategy through innovation and emerging content pipelines.
• Studio Portfolio & Commercial Performance
  • Build and manage a portfolio of IGNITE studios, with clear performance frameworks and targets.
  • Drive commercial outcomes including revenue contribution, content performance, and value on studio investment.
  • Identify high-potential studios and scale them into strategic partners within the aggregation network.
  • Supervise lifecycle from onboarding → development → scaling → long-term partnership.
• Program & Ecosystem Development
  • Evolve IGNITE from a program into a structured, scalable ecosystem model.
  • Define support models (tools, funding, mentorship, distribution access) for participating studios.
  • Coordinate with Product and Platform teams to ensure flawless integration into the aggregation platform.
  • Establish frameworks for exclusivity, co-development, and long-term partnership structures.
• Market Expansion & Content Strategy
  • Align IGNITE content strategy with global market needs and operator demand.
  • Support expansion efforts for IGNITE studios into regulated markets, working in close partnership with Compliance and Regional teams.
  • Ensure IGNITE contributes to solving key gaps in the aggregation portfolio (e.g. innovation, differentiation, new formats).
• Data, Performance & Investment Decisions
  • Define success metrics across IGNITE (studio performance, content success, commercial return).
  • Use data and insights to prioritise studio investment, scale decisions, and portfolio optimisation.
  • Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to VP Aggregation and senior leadership.
• Partnerships & Industry Positioning
  • Build Aristocrat’s reputation as a leading studio partner and incubator.
  • Represent IGNITE at industry events, connecting with growing game creators and inventive networks.
  • Develop relationships with founders, developers, and strategic partners globally.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with VP Aggregation, Product, Engineering, Commercial, and local and area groups.
  • Drive alignment between IGNITE and broader aggregation and content strategy.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years’ experience in iGaming, gaming platforms, digital marketplaces, or adjacent industries.
• Experience in studio partnerships, developer ecosystems, or incubation/acceleration models.
• Strong commercial and strategic capability.
• Strong network within game development / studio ecosystem.
• Understanding of content performance, distribution, and aggregation models.
• Deep understanding of multi‑jurisdictional iGaming regulations and content certification processes.

Desirable

• Experience scaling early-stage studios or content portfolios.
• Experience running or sponsoring studio incubation / acceleration programs.
• P&L ownership or direct commercial accountability.

Key Competencies

• Strategic ecosystem thinking
• Commercial and portfolio management
• Innovation and product attitude
• Data-driven decision making
• Executive team member influence

What Success Looks Like

• A clearly defined IGNITE strategy established as a core pillar of the Aggregation business.
• A strong, scalable pipeline of high-potential studios delivering differentiated and driven content.
• Meaningful commercial contribution from IGNITE, including revenue growth and portfolio diversification.
• Recognition of Aristocrat as a premier partner for emerging studios and innovation in the iGaming ecosystem.

Travel Expectations

Up to 50%