Ainsworth CEO Quits After Nevada Regulators Call Him ‘Arrogant’ and Unsuitable
Harald Neumann has resigned as CEO of Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) effective immediately, following a blistering public rebuke from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). The NGCB recommended that Neumann withdraw his application to renew his state gaming license, citing his conduct and character as unsuitable for a leadership role in the world’s most influential gaming jurisdiction.
NGCB Officials Publicly Condemn CEO’s Conduct
Nevada gaming regulators, whose vetting process is considered the “gold standard,” used extremely harsh language to describe Neumann’s demeanor during his licensing hearing.
Board member and retired judge George Assad directly criticized Neumann, stating, “Your whole attitude stinks.” Another member, Chandeni Sendall, described Neumann’s performance as concerning. She noted that his behavior “does not support such a finding” that he possesses the required good character, honesty, and integrity.
The board criticized Neumann for being “evasive,” lacking “emotional intelligence,” and consistently failing to give direct answers. Chairman Mike Dreitzer said he had “grave concern” about Neumann’s conduct with agents and his responses to the board, noting Neumann repeatedly acted as a victim and blamed others. Sendall found it “mind-boggling” that someone in a CEO position could operate without basic leadership and communication skills while coming across as “argumentative, arrogant, [and] evasive.”
Failure to Disclose Key Information
The NGCB’s recommendation followed a four-year investigation where agents struggled to complete their review due to Neumann’s behavior, which they described as “hostile and belligerent” and “intentionally misleading.”
Key allegations focused on a failure to disclose personal financial and relationship details. These included omitting personal bank accounts, a house in Greece, a rental property for his daughter in Los Angeles, and monthly payments and a credit card for a “girlfriend” in Germany.
Neumann also faced scrutiny for refusing to surrender his phone to agents for four months, citing privacy concerns. Agents later discovered “inappropriate” messages between Neumann and an Ainsworth employee, which Neumann admitted violated company fraternization policy. Crucially, Neumann confirmed he remains under investigation for corruption in Austria related to his former company, Novomatic AG (AGT’s major shareholder)—a fact Ainsworth had not previously disclosed to its shareholders.
Immediate Leadership Change at AGT
Neumann’s resignation was announced shortly after Ainsworth stated it would review his role following the NGCB’s findings. The company immediately appointed Ryan Comstock, previously the Chief Operating Officer, as acting CEO.
Comstock has been with Ainsworth since 2012. The company announced it will now conduct an extensive search for a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates. The events underscore the high standard of character required for leadership in the tightly regulated U.S. gaming industry.
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