LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IGT (NYSE: IGT) announced today that Richard J. (Rich) Schneider has been named executive vice president of product strategy for the company.

"In his new role, Rich will integrate IGT systems and games into one organization, a change that is reflective of our realization of the need to converge these two once separate worlds into one unified product offering," said TJ Matthews, IGT chairman and CEO. "Rich's past experience makes him uniquely qualified to bring these two areas together to deliver exciting value-added network, game and customer service applications to our customers."

Schneider was IGT's executive vice president of server-based gaming since 2006 and president of IGT Systems since 2004. He joined IGT in 2003, when IGT acquired Acres Gaming, Inc. He served in various management roles with Acres Gaming since 1997 including president and COO. His prior work experiences include service as vice president for CDS and director of engineering for United Coin Machine.

He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

International Game Technology (http://www.IGT.com) is a global company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products.

SOURCE IGT