Caesars names former Affinity and Tropicana chief as CEO
Anthony Rodio joins retail giant as board appoints transaction committee to oversee internal evaluation
Caesars Entertainment has named ex-Affinity Gaming chief Anthony Rodio as its new CEO to oversee the gaming giant’s retail and online empire.
Prior to joining Affinity Gaming, which owns Las Vegas’ Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino, Rodio was CEO and executive director of Tropicana Entertainment Inc.
During his time at the firm Rodio oversaw the sale of Tropicana Entertainment to Eldorado Resorts, while his career background also includes stints at Hollywood Casino and Harrah’s Entertainment.
Tony Rodio (PRNewsfoto/Caesars Entertainment Corporati)
In his new role he will be based in Las Vegas and sit on the company’s board of directors.
To complement Rodio’s appointment, the board has established a transaction committee to oversee an ongoing internal evaluation on how to maximise shareholder value.
“The decision to form this committee follows inquiries from industry participants concerning possible transactions with Caesars,” the firm said.
Activist investor Carl Icahn, who owns an approximate 15% stake in the business, has been pushing for a sale.
On Rodio’s appointment, James Hunt, chairman of Caesars’ board, said: “Tony is a respected and highly accomplished executive who has successfully built and grown businesses in our industry throughout his career.
“We are confident that Tony has the vision and depth of operating experience to lead our talented senior management team,” Hunt said.
Rodio added: “Our industry is going through a time of transition and opportunity and I look forward to leading Caesars’ exceptional team through the Company’s next phase of growth, innovation and value creation.”