Harper Ko
Devon,PA
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant General Counsel
Scientific Games Corporation
Las Vegas, NV
Contract Attorney
Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc.
Las Vegas, NV
Deputy General Counsel, Gaming
Light & Wonder formerly Scientific Games Corporation
Las Vegas, NV
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Promoted after the acquisition of Bally Technologies Inc
- (NYSE: BYI) to head the commercial legal department for the gaming group, holding core oversight of all commercial revenue matters within the $2B SGMS Gaming and Interactive business units globally
- Served as strategic advisor to executive leadership across material commercial transactions, customer and third-party matters, and regulatory compliance and litigation matters
- Managed 50 attorney and administrative staff
- Managed and supported global integration of SHFL Entertainment Inc
- (NYSE: SHFL), Bally, and Scientific Games Corporation ($5B+ in total deal size)
- Drove post-acquisition internal/external processes, rightsized headcount, restructured and realigned gaming and interactive legal team, and aligned forward business objectives to legal procedures and functions
- Spearheaded implementation of a new contract administration process, building and optimizing standards, best practices, and legal processes fully aligned with regulatory and compliance standards
Associate Corporate Counsel
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
Las Vegas, NV
Staff Counsel
WMS Gaming Inc.
Chicago, IL
EVP, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER & SECRETARY
PENN Entertainment, Inc. Formerly PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.
Wyomissing, PA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Recruited to lead the company’s transformation from brick-and-mortar casino operations to a leading provider of integrated entertainment, sports content, and casino gaming experiences
- Advised on integrations and acquisitions in furtherance of company’s sports betting and interactive gaming strategic goals
- Structured, negotiated, and supervised document preparation for the $2B acquisition of Score Media & Gaming, Inc
- (formerly TSX and Nasdaq: SCR) and $650M acquisition of Barstool Sports
- Advised Board of Directors and C-Suite response to SEC inquiries and investigations, shareholder activism, including offensive and defensive strategies to mitigate risks such as potential sale of business, shareholder outreach and proposals, and advisor engagement
- Provided counsel regarding Securities & Exchange Commission regulations and requirements, corporate rebranding to PENN Entertainment, and executive compensation matters
- Structured, negotiated, and supervised preparation of documentation of master leases and associated development and funding agreements with company’s primary REIT landlord (Nasdaq: GLPI)
- Facilitated refinancing of existing debt through a transaction that included the following facilities: $1 billion Revolving Credit Facility, $550 million Term Loan A Facility, and $1 billion Term Loan B Facility
- Built best-in-class legal and compliance team to support company’s interactive and sports betting growth strategy
EVP, Chief Legal Officer—General Counsel & Secretary
Everi Holdings, Inc.
Las Vegas, NV
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led full spectrum of legal and compliance functions with a core focus on SEC and public company formalities, commercial, regulatory, and litigation
- Headed a team of 35+ legal and compliance staff and attorneys
- Formulated innovative legal and leadership strategies for navigating complex change and supporting company transition
- Maintained strong due diligence standards and legal processes during strategic acquisitions of Atrient, Inc
- And Micro Gaming Technologies, Inc., ensuring expedited deal closure and integration and maximizing business outcomes
- Served as strategic resource to Board of Directors during COVID-19 pandemic, driving elevated change management and legal leadership, maintaining balance sheet flexibility and liquidity, reexamining internal policies, and elevating employee communication
- Completed Common Stock Offering with secondary offering of 10M shares that delivered net proceeds of $123M
- Facilitated senior secured term loan repricing that reduced applicable interest rate to LIBOR plus 275 basis points with a LIBOR floor of 100 basis points
Timeline
EVP, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER & SECRETARY
PENN Entertainment, Inc. Formerly PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.
01.2021 - 01.2023
EVP, Chief Legal Officer—General Counsel & Secretary
Everi Holdings, Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2020
Deputy General Counsel, Gaming
Light & Wonder formerly Scientific Games Corporation
01.2015 - 01.2017
J.D. -
Chicago Kent College of Law
08.1996 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Science - Psychology As A Natural Science
University of Michigan
08.1991 - 05.1995
Assistant General Counsel
Scientific Games Corporation
Contract Attorney
Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc.
Associate Corporate Counsel
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
Staff Counsel
WMS Gaming Inc.
Summary
Over two decades of progressive experience steering legal operations for high-growth, publicly traded, and global entities. Recognized for leading high-stakes M&A activities, executing complex compliance frameworks, and mitigating multifaceted risk with a strong emphasis on shareholder value and corporate integrity. Proactive, adaptable, and deeply skilled in managing high-impact legal teams, navigating evolving regulatory landscapes, and aligning legal frameworks with fast-moving business goals. Known for developing high-performing teams and advancing corporate strategy through precision-focused legal guidance and governance.
Executive Value-Offered Summary
- Strategic Legal Counsel: Expertly balance legal strategy with business objectives, providing comprehensive counsel that guides leadership through complex legal challenges and supports sustainable growth.
- M&A & Integrations: Spearhead acquisition processes from due diligence to integration, crafting legally sound and financially beneficial strategies for long-term success.
- Corporate Governance: Ensure corporate compliance and governance, managing board advisory functions and shareholder engagements to maintain ethical standards and transparency.
- Risk Mitigation: Build and enforce rigorous risk management strategies, proactively identifying and addressing potential legal, regulatory, and financial risks across global operations.
- Leadership in Legal Operations: Cultivate high-performance teams, fostering a collaborative and agile environment that adapts to changing business needs and legal landscapes.
Education
J.D. -
Chicago Kent College of Law
Chicago, IL 08.1996 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Science - Psychology As A Natural Science
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor 08.1991 - 05.1995
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Skills
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Legal writing
- Litigation management
- Corporate governance
- Board relations
- Securities law
- Corporate law
- Legal documentation and reporting
- Document review
- Commercial awareness
- Legal analysis
- Litigation management
- Dispute resolution
- Legal expertise
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteHybridWebsites
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