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AAMA Selects Pete Gustafson of Sega as New Executive Vice President
After a yearlong search, the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) has announced that Pete Gustafson of Sega will take over the Executive Vice President (EVP) role from John Schultz, who is retiring at the end of May.
"I'm deeply honored and humbled by the appointment. It's a big position with a lot of responsibilities," Gustafson said. "I've been working with the AAMA for quite a few years and find it to be a space that really feels open to creativity."
When Schultz announced his pending retirement early last year, the AAMA appointed a search committee, including Chris Felix, Holly Hampton, David Cohen and other AAMA Board members, to find a suitable replacement. Through a multi-step process, the group narrowed the selection from 11 applicants to four, an eventually deciding to make an offer to Gustafson.
"It was a long process with several great candidates," AAMA President Chris Felix said. "We feel like we've made the right choice."
Gustafson will be stepping down from his role as Sega USA's General Manager, saying he's excited to continue the extensive work and progress that Schultz began with the association. The two will start the transition in mid-May, with Gustafson officially taking the post on June 1.
Having worked in the industry since 1980 when he joined Bally Pinball, and since working with Aladdin's Castle (a precursor to Namco Entertainment), Data East Pinball, Face Place Photo, LAI and finally Sega, Gutafson has truly built a name for himself in the amusement industry.
In the early 2000s he became active with the AAMA, joining a number of committees and participating in more events. He was elected to its Board of Directors in 2001, and in 2013, was elected President, completing his two-year term in the summer of 2015.
Schultz, who spent years at AAMA bringing life to the association's government relations program and helping to develop the new FEC Initiative, will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends.
"John, with his years of industry experience, has positioned the association for continued success. He has been a real asset," Felix said.
"He's done a magnificent job, created a foundation of integrity, organization and transparency, and he's leaving me with a really solid foundation to build on," Gustafson continued. "I'm committed to the work he has started."
Congratulations to Pete Gustafson on his new position and we look forward to seeing the great work he will do with the association.
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