Sun International Appoints Leslie Peters as Chief Technology & Product Officer
- Gaming Eminence
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
In a bold step towards digital transformation, Sun International (JSE: SUI) has appointed Leslie Peters as its new Chief Technology & Product Officer (CTPO), a newly created role aimed at driving the company’s technology agenda and enhancing its product offerings. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for Sun International as it accelerates its shift from a predominantly land-based gaming operator to a digitally-led, omnichannel powerhouse in the global hospitality and gaming sectors.
A Strategic Inflection Point for Sun International
Sun International, a leader in the African hospitality and gaming industries, is undergoing a critical transformation. While the company has long dominated land-based casino operations, recent shifts in consumer behavior and technological advancements have led to a refocus on digital growth. With online gaming revenue surging by 70% in H1 2025 and land-based operations seeing a slight dip, Sun International’s leadership is prioritizing digital innovation as a key driver of future growth.
Leslie Peters’ appointment is a direct response to this demand for technological expertise and a clear signal that the company intends to evolve beyond its traditional roots. The appointment of a CTPO reflects the growing importance of technology in reshaping the competitive landscape for gaming operators globally.
Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO of Sun International, highlighted the significance of the role:
“We are very focused on customer‑centric and product‑driven growth, powered by fit‑for‑purpose technology. The appointment of Peters is a key step to execute on this strategy.”
Peters will play a key role in enhancing Sun International’s technological infrastructure, product offerings, and customer engagement strategies, particularly as the company looks to scale its online operations and integrate new digital channels across its portfolio.
Peters’ Proven Track Record in Gaming and Technology
Leslie Peters brings over 20 years of experience in technology, product development, and digital transformation, particularly in the gaming sector. Before joining Sun International, Peters held senior leadership roles at Games Global and Derivco, where he was responsible for scaling technology platforms and integrating cloud-native architectures into regulated gaming environments. His deep understanding of remote gaming systems (RGS) and customer-centric product development aligns well with Sun International’s strategic vision.
Peters commented on his new role:
“I am extremely honoured to have been appointed to work with such a great brand like Sun International, and to apply my experience in shaping the future of digital platforms by applying leading innovation and cutting-edge digital transformations.”
His expertise in cloud technology, agile development, and regulatory compliance will be crucial as Sun International navigates the complexities of expanding its online presence while ensuring full regulatory alignment across various jurisdictions.
A Forward-Looking Mandate for Digital Growth
As CTPO, Peters will be tasked with overseeing the technology and product strategy across Sun International’s diverse portfolio. Key responsibilities will include:
Leading the development and integration of advanced technology platforms to enhance the customer experience.
Overseeing the modernization of Sun International’s IT infrastructure to ensure scalability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Driving product innovation across both land-based and online channels, with a particular emphasis on enhancing Sun International’s gaming platforms.
Creating an agile, data-driven product environment capable of rapidly responding to changing consumer demands and market conditions.
One of Peters’ primary objectives will be to bridge the gap between Sun International’s land-based casino operations and its growing digital offerings. This involves developing a seamless omnichannel experience that allows customers to transition between mobile, online, and in-person gaming environments with ease. Peters’ role will also extend to integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to personalize and optimise customer interactions.
Sun International’s Digital Vision: Expanding Beyond Traditional Gaming
Peters’ appointment comes as part of a broader strategic vision outlined by CEO Ulrik Bengtsson, who has emphasised the importance of digital growth in positioning Sun International for long-term success. The company is focused on expanding its digital footprint through its online gaming platform, Sunbet, and plans to enhance its offerings with new products, services, and innovative customer experiences.
In recent months, Sun International has seen significant growth in its online gaming sector, with deposits increasing by 105% and active players growing by 71% in H1 2025. These results underscore the importance of digital initiatives as a core component of the company’s growth strategy. By appointing Peters, Sun International is signalling that technology and product development will be central to its continued success.
The Broader Industry Context: Technology as a Competitive Differentiator
Peters’ appointment is not only a pivotal moment for Sun International but also a signal of broader trends within the gaming and hospitality industries. As competition increases in both the online and land-based segments, technology is becoming a key differentiator for operators. The integration of cloud-native solutions, AI-powered platforms, and data-driven product development is essential to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
For senior executives in the gaming sector, Peters’ appointment underscores the growing importance of having strong technology leadership at the highest level. With technology influencing everything from customer experience to operational efficiency, operators must continue to invest in innovation if they are to stay ahead of the curve.
Leslie Peters’ appointment as CTPO at Sun International is a clear signal that the company is prioritising technology and product innovation as key drivers of its future growth. With extensive experience in regulated gaming technology, Peters is well-positioned to lead Sun International through its digital transformation, helping the company scale its online gaming operations while integrating seamless omnichannel experiences for customers.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Peters’ leadership will be critical in positioning Sun International as a leader in both land-based and digital gaming. By leveraging emerging technologies and fostering a customer-centric approach, Peters and Sun International are poised to drive long-term growth and secure a competitive edge in the increasingly digital-first gaming market.
