Aruna Abeyakoon
About Aruna Abeyakoon
Aruna Abeyakoon is a Senior Director of Analytics and Data Science at Light & Wonder, where he leads a division focused on innovative research tools for consumer behavior. With extensive experience in analytics and data science, he has held various roles in academia and industry, including positions at Bally Technologies and Scientific Games.
Current Role at Light & Wonder
Aruna Abeyakoon serves as the Senior Director of Analytics and Data Science at Light & Wonder, a position held since 2022. In this role, she leads a division of Scientific Games, focusing on advanced analytics and data science initiatives. Her responsibilities include spearheading innovative research tools and strategies aimed at understanding consumer behavior and enhancing game design. Under her leadership, the division has implemented IoT applications and cloud solutions to optimize gaming experiences.
Experience at Scientific Games
Abeyakoon has been with Scientific Games as the Senior Director of Analytics and Data Science since 2019. She has played a pivotal role in leading SG Connect, a telemetry project that utilizes advanced data and machine learning techniques to optimize games and increase revenue. Her work includes advising C-suite executives on predictive analytics and disruptive solutions that enhance game development processes.
Previous Positions at Bally Technologies
Prior to her current roles, Abeyakoon worked at Bally Technologies in various capacities from 2005 to 2016. She started as a Marketing Analyst and progressed to Senior Manager of Marketing Research and Analytics. During her tenure, she was promoted multiple times, reflecting her growing responsibilities and contributions to the company’s marketing and analytics strategies.
Academic Background
Aruna Abeyakoon has a strong academic foundation in statistics and business administration. She earned a Master of Applied Sciences in Statistics from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Additionally, she holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the University of Colombo. She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management from CIM, The Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Teaching Experience
Abeyakoon has been involved in academia as an Associate Faculty member at the University of Phoenix since 2013. She has also served as a Teaching Assistant and Instructor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas from 2003 to 2005. Her teaching experience extends to her role as a Lecturer at Aquinas College of Higher Studies in Sri Lanka from 1999 to 2001.