Kim Harris Jones is joining the company’s Board of Directors effective from April 29, but still subject to customary regulatory requirements, and she is touted for her in-depth understanding of leadership and steering businesses towards long-term goals.

Influential Leader Joins as 10^th Caesars Board Member

She brings a deep understanding of finance as well as a robust reputation which will help the company strengthen its leadership team and address challenges while also exploring new opportunities. Caesars Entertainment Executive Chairman of the Board Gary Carano has welcomed her appointment praising her outstanding track record.

Harris Jones has worked with various companies across numerous industries, ensuring that they emerge stronger and more capable after she has been part of their leadership team.

She is also on the list of the “100 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors,” a ranking by BoardProspects Magazine as well as “25 Women to Watch” by CFO Magazine. She also made the list of “The 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors” by Savoy and ended on a similar rank list by Black Enterprise Magazine called “75 Most Powerful Women in Business.”

Harris Jones’ career path has taken her to various roles. She worked for Chrysler for 17 years and was appointed to various leadership positions, including SVP and Corporate Controller. She also served at General Motors for six years. Her most recent stints include Mondelez International where she worked as SVP and Corporate Controller in 2015 and she was also part of Kraft Foods as SVP and Corporate Controller as well.

Strategic Oversight and Overall Direction

“With her extensive experience in finance and a reputation as a thoughtful and engaged leader inside some of the largest consumer-packaged goods and automotive companies, Kim’s addition will give us another lens through which to see stronger, more dynamic future possibilities for Caesars Entertainment,” Carano explained.

Harris Jones is also a graduate of the University of Michigan and she currently serves on several other boards, including True Blue, Fossil Group, and United Rentals, as well as the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association’s board.

By joining Caesars Entertainment’s board, Harris Jones is effectively becoming the tenth person on the board. She will look to provide the company with strategic direction as well as bring stronger oversight over its current operations.

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Notably, Seamus McGill has confirmed that he will be stepping down as chairman of the board and he will be succeeded by David Goldberg in the important position as the holiday season is now set in.

GAN Executes Quick Staff Change at the Top During Holiday Season

McGill’s decision to step down comes after GAN, a B2B technology provider for the iGaming industry, has confirmed that it has entered a definitive agreement to merge with Sega Sammy Creation, owned by Sega Sammy Holdings. McGill will continue to serve as an interim CEO following the departure of Dermot Smurfit.

Besides McGill, the company has also confirmed that Michael Smurfit will step down from the Board of Directors with effect from December 31, 2023. Michael Smurfit added, commenting on his withdrawal as well as the pending merger with Sega Sammy Creation:

With the strategic review concluded, I feel that now is the appropriate time for me to step down from the board of directors. I am fully supportive of the transaction with Sega Sammy Creation and look forward to a timely closing.

Michael Smurfit

Furthermore, GAN has also appointed David D. Ross to the Board of Directors, replacing its ranks. He will be chairman of GAN’s audit committee, and his appointment has been welcomed by Goldenberg, who said that Ross brought more than 35 years of experience in various positions and he has served as both executive and director across the gaming and hospitality sector, giving him a very good background to now be part of GAN.

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced that Dave Forestell will become the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Forestell’s appointment comes as no surprise, given his past contributions to the organization and deep understanding of the online gambling sector. His diverse professional background will give AGCO a fresh perspective, helping the regulator remain in touch with the latest industry developments.

The New Chair Has a History of Success

Forestell’s two decades of professional experience encompassing leadership positions in the government and private sectors were instrumental for his unique outlook on the gambling industry’s prospects and regulatory challenges. The new Chair served as VP of Scotiabank and worked as acting executive director at the Conservative Party of Canada. Forestell most recently was VP of Canada External Relations at TC Energy.

He has been an active member of the AGCO board for several years, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to upholding regulatory standards. Forestell also held the position of Chair for iGaming Toronto, a subsidiary of AGCO responsible for overseeing the province’s growing online gaming sector. His input was instrumental in shaping the province’s digital gaming landscape while ensuring player protection and responsible gambling practices.

With his new appointment as Chair of AGCO’s Board of Directors, Forestell has decided to commit his full efforts to this critical role. As a result, he will step down from his position as Chair at iGaming Toronto to focus on the broader responsibilities and challenges associated with overseeing the entire alcohol and gaming industry in Ontario.

The AGCO Retains Its Vital Functions

Forestell’s appointment happens during a critical time for the regulator as current registrar and chief executive Tom Mungham announced he would retire this fall. One of the new Chair’s first responsibilities will be to help steer the regulator during the transitional period, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to the organization’s underlying principles.

The AGCO plays a crucial role in overseeing the province’s alcohol and gaming sectors, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a safe and secure environment for consumers and operators. The continuous evolution of the gambling industry poses constant new challenges requiring proactive and forward-thinking leadership. Forestell’s diverse experience could prove invaluable in accommodating technological advancements and developing industry trends.

As the gaming landscape in Ontario continues to evolve, the AGCO’s role becomes increasingly critical in ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment for all. Dave Forestell’s addition to the leadership team aids the commission’s mission to navigate the industry’s complexities, protect consumers and promote responsible gambling practices.

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The leading online gaming operator that has a strong presence in strategic global markets such as Latin America and Spain, Codere Online, announced a new senior-level appointment. News about the appointment emerged Thursday during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). As a result, Codere Online confirmed that it appointed Michal Elimelech, an expert with more than a decade of experience, as a member of its Board of Directors.

In her new role as a member of the Board, she replaces Oscar Iglesias. While Elimelech will become a part of the board, Iglesias will remain with the company and collaborate with her in his current executive-level role as chief financial officer of Codere Online.

Overall, Elimelech brings two decades of experience within the gaming and entertainment vertical. Most recently, she was a part of Passiflora and Space Ape Games where she served as COO and CMO respectively. However, Elimelech’s professional tenure includes 15 years with the global gaming leader, 888 Holdings.

Throughout her extensive career with the company, she accumulated unique experience, gained invaluable insight and knowledge. Elimelech’s track record includes roles such as head of US marketing, head of developed markets EMEA and head of bingo, among other important executive roles. While a part of 888 Holdings, she played a key role in the company’s growth and expansion, helping it navigate through complex environments and overseeing a dedicated team of experts.

Codere Online Unveils More Important Changes

During Codere Online’s AGM, the Board approved the establishment of a Compliance Committee, which was previously an advisory one. The members of the Committee include Patrick Ramsey who serves as member and chairman, as well as Elimelech, Rafael Catalá, Mark Dunn and Yaiza Rodríguez, who serve as members.

Sharing his excitement about Elimelech’s appointment, Ramsey said that the company is delighted to see her join the Board. “Her experience in digital marketing and expanding businesses into new markets is a perfect fit for Codere Online as it continues to pursue its growth plans in Spain and Latin America,” he said.

Among the decisions at the company’s AGM, the Board approved the appointment of Borja Fernández to the role of chairman of the Audit Committee. In his new role, Fernández replaces Dr. Martin M. Werner, who will remain a part of the Audit Committee but hold a member role.

During the AGM, Codere confirmed that it has received the green light about resolutions for 20 agenda items. “The approval of all AGM resolutions by shareholders underscores their confidence in Codere Online’s strategic direction and future prospects,” explained Ramsey. Finally, he thanked the shareholders for their trust and support which can ultimately help the company continue to grow.

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Bill helped co-found the company with his father Sam Boyd back in 1975 and has been an indelible part of its mission to transform itself into the leading gaming and hospitality giant, succeeding in both over the past decades.

Bill Boyd Takes His Leave from the Company

Bill will now be granted the title of chairman emeritus, which is a laudatory status the company awards to its most prominent former members, but he will not have any executive powers or say-so in the company’s future affairs – at least not officially. Privately, Bill’s voice may continue to be heard.

Having brought Boyd Gaming to a good place, he is now exiting his role as co-executive chairman, with his colleague, Marianne Boyd Johnson, now stepping into the position full-time. Johnson is a trusted gaming industry expert and she has been part of the company’s board since 1990.

Johnson has been working on making Boyd what it is today, and she is generally perceived as an important part of the company’s strategy for success. As to Bill, he has been around for many years. He started out as a lawyer and focused on the gaming industry in 1975.

His father, who owned a California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas then had an epiphany that with his son’s acumen and legal prowess, they could build an empire.

This much is known to have been true, as Boyd Gaming, which is based in Las Vegas, operates well beyond the silver state. The company owns 28 gaming properties across 10 states in the country, although admittedly – 11 are concentrated in their home state.

Boyd Gaming’s Strength Remains Unchallenged

Bill taking his leave from the board is hardly a reason for concern. Rather, Boyd is in a very good place and moving forward, the company expects to only strengthen its position. Presently, the company is led by Keith Smith, who has been chief executive officer since 2008.

Despite this major shift in the board’s makeup, analysts would still recommend Boyd Gaming as a buy stock. This is understandable as Bill’s exit is crowning a successful career and not indicative of internal company turmoil at the time. In fact, the company’s results are in a pretty good position.

Boyd Gaming recently unveiled a $500 million buy-back program, which is the third such initiative over the past several months, further demonstrating to investors that the company is in a very good position indeed.

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