Light & Wonder’s CLO James Sottile to Retire, Susan Dawson to Succeed
Light & Wonder announced that Chief Legal Officer James Sottile will retire by year’s end, with Susan Dawson stepping into his role.
A Legal Leader Steps Back
James Sottile, Light & Wonder’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, will retire on December 31, 2025, after a storied 30-year career. Sottile, who informed the firm of his decision on June 16, will pass the baton to Susan Dawson, current Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. To ensure a smooth handoff, Sottile will consult for the company through 2026.
With over three decades of legal expertise, Sottile brought strategic savvy to Light & Wonder, shaping its legal and governance framework. A former Jones Day partner in New York, he earned accolades from Chambers USA (2005-2018) and The Best Lawyers in America (2011-2018). Known for favoring poetry over legalese, Sottile’s leadership steadied the company through growth spurts, including its recent $1 billion acquisition of Grover Gaming.
Susan Dawson Steps Up
Susan Dawson, tapped to replace Sottile, joined Light & Wonder in 2012 and has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since 2018. Relocating from the UK to Las Vegas, Dawson will assume the CLO and Corporate Secretary roles on January 1, 2026. Her deep company knowledge positions her to lead legal operations as Light & Wonder chases a $2 billion EBITDA goal by 2028, per the provided info.
To ease the shift, Sottile will provide consulting services from January 1 to December 31, 2026, earning $11,959 monthly – 20% of his 2025 base salary. A June 20, 2025, amendment to his 2021 employment agreement extends his tenure through year-end, securing his 2025 bonus and standard stock award vesting for retirees. This setup ensures continuity as Dawson takes the reins.
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