Aristocrat Leisure chairman departs

Australian poker machine maker Aristocrat Leisure said chairman John Pascoe would leave the company to take up the role of Chief Federal Magistrate, effective July 14.

Aristocrat said an announcement on new directors and the chairman's position would be made after the next board meeting on July 7.

Pascoe was appointed as chairman in September 2003, replacing John Ducker, who was chairman when the company reported sharply falling earnings.

Pascoe was instrumental in the appointment of Paul Oneile as chief executive in December last year.