The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) today announced the appointment of Stephen Rigby as President and Chief Executive Officer, starting January 5, 2015.

“Stephen Rigby was chosen for his skills and experience in leading organizational change,” said Philip Olsson, Chair of OLG’s Board of Directors. “The Board is confident that Mr. Rigby has the ideal experience for the job and will follow through on OLG's renewal plan. Under his leadership, OLG will keep its focus on responsible gambling while building a strong lottery, gaming, charitable gaming and iGaming industry.”

Mr. Rigby has led major transformations as President of the Canada Border Services Agency and in the role of Associate Deputy Minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Most recently, Mr. Rigby was the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada.

As OLG’s new President & CEO, Stephen Rigby will lead an organization supported by 7,000 employees throughout the province. OLG is responsible for 24 gaming sites and sales of lottery products at approximately 9,800 retail locations. At approximately $2 billion annually, OLG provides the Ontario government with its largest source of non-tax revenue. Modernization will help OLG provide more money to Ontario for health care and education. Mr. Rigby will also lead OLG as it integrates horse racing into the provincial gaming strategy to further the Ontario government’s commitment to a sustainable industry.

“I am eager to begin my role with the OLG Board and management team at this critical point in OLG’s transition,” said Stephen Rigby. “I will be focused on helping to ensure OLG is offering its customers the best possible lottery and gaming entertainment experience for the benefit of the people and the Province of Ontario.”

OLG reports through its Board of Directors to Ontario’s Minister of Finance. Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, stated: “I look forward to working with Mr. Rigby as he leads OLG in its continued modernization to increase returns supporting important priorities for Ontarians, including health care and education, while promoting a sustainable horse racing industry.”

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $40 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the Province have helped support health care; education, research, prevention and treatment of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities.

(with files from OLG)