The Loteria do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (LOTERJ) has entered a new administrative era following a formal change in leadership published in the State Gazette on March 20, 2026.
The official decree confirms the departure of former president Hazenclever Lopes Cançado and the subsequent appointment of Fabiola Esteves Rocha to lead the state lottery authority.
Internal Restructuring and Administrative Continuity
The transition was executed through a highly organized administrative process directed by the government of the State of Rio de Janeiro. According to official records, Hazenclever Lopes Cançado stepped down from his position at his own request. Simultaneously, Fabiola Esteves Rocha was dismissed from her role as vice president to facilitate her immediate promotion to the presidency.
This internal shift highlights a governance strategy focused on continuity and the retention of institutional knowledge during a period of significant change for the Brazilian gaming sector.
The Official Decree: Transparency in Governance
To ensure full transparency, the government formalized the appointment through a detailed decree. The document clarifies the functional IDs and the structured nature of the exonerations and appointments:
“DECREES OF MARCH 20, 2026: THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO… RESOLVES: TO EXONERATE, upon request, HAZENCLEVER LOPES CANÇADO… from the position of President… TO EXONERATE FABIOLA ESTEVES ROCHA… from the position of Vice President… TO APPOINT FABIOLA ESTEVES ROCHA… to the position of President… previously held by HAZENCLEVER LOPES CANÇADO.”
Strategic Implications for the Brazilian Market
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for LOTERJ as Brazil adapts to a rapidly evolving federal and state regulatory landscape. Rocha’s extensive experience as vice president is expected to be vital in maintaining operational stability while potentially pivoting toward new growth strategies aligned with Rio de Janeiro’s economic interests.
As competition increases among state-run lotteries, LOTERJ’s structured leadership transition reinforces its position to respond effectively to market opportunities and regulatory updates.
