IGT hires former MTV executive

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- International Game Technology dipped into the ranks of the high tech industry to fill two executive positions.

On Thursday, the slot machine giant named former MTV official Gideon Bierer as executive vice president of new media, leading IGT's strategic effort for a new media division.

IGT CEO Patti Hart said Bierer would help the company develop slot machine content through the Internet, mobile, and social networking.

"It is important to stay ahead of market trends and continuously evolve our business so that we can effectively serve our customers," Hart said. "We are focused on developing engaging content for the slot patron of today and tomorrow."

Bierer comes from MTV Networks where, since 2005, he served as executive vice president of international digital media, responsible for all online and mobile businesses.

Earlier in the week, IGT named Susan Macke as chief marketing officer. Macke comes from Hewlett-Packard's handheld business unit where she was vice president of global marketing. She has extensive experience in the telecommunications and IT industries.

Hart, who became IGT's CEO in April, spent most of her career in the technology field, holding chief executive positions with several Silicon Valley-based companies.