United States-based casino group Caesars Entertainment Corp has created a new executive role covering its gaming operations internationally as well as in the U.S.
It said in a Tuesday announcement that the executive vice president of gaming and interactive entertainment will be responsible for “gaming products and services across the company’s existing portfolio of 47 casino properties located in 13 [U.S.] states and five countries.”
Christian Stuart – most recently senior vice president and chief of staff to Caesars Entertainment’s president and chief executive, Mark Frissora – has been named for the new role.
In January Steven Tight, the group’s president of international development, told GGRAsia Caesars Entertainment was “pursuing a number of growth opportunities in Asia, including Japan”.
Mr Tight also confirmed the group was “looking to start construction in April” this year on a US$700-million gaming resort at Incheon, in South Korea, and was “currently targeting completion at the end of 2019 or early 2020”.
South Korea, home of smartphone maker Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, is said to have one of the highest rates of uptake for digital technology in the world. According to Korea Bizwire, a media outlet focusing on the country’s business and economics, in February 2016, the local government in the capital Seoul, pledged to invest a total of KRW460.5 billion (US$413.5 million) over the following five years on policies and businesses related to the digital economy.
In welcoming Mr Stuart to the new role at Caesars, Mr Frissora made particular reference to new products and interactive gaming.
“Under Christian’s leadership, Caesars will pursue a gaming development road map that creates new products, greater customer engagement and more interactive experiences. Special emphasis will be placed on mobile connectivity and apps within our worldwide resort properties,” the CEO said in a statement contained in announcement.
In recent years major casino operators have spent time and effort on how to ensure the so-called “millennials” – those consumers who grew to adulthood at the start of the 21st century – become the next generation of casino customers.
“As technology continues to evolve, our gaming and entertainment offerings must also grow to meet the needs and expectations of our customers,” noted group CEO Mr Frissora.
Mr Stuart has been with Caesars Entertainment for 12 years, gaining knowledge of gaming and hospitality activities. According to Tuesday’s release he was recently named in Vegas Inc’s list of “40 Under 40” identifying a younger generation of businesspeople with an existing track record of success and strong potential.
Tuesday’s announcement by Caesars Entertainment said Mr Stuart has experience of working in several overseas markets where Caesars Entertainment already has a presence, including the United Kingdom, Egypt and South Africa, as well as in Las Vegas. His professional experience includes roles in analytics, operations, finance and marketing.
Melissa Price, senior vice president of enterprise gaming, will continue to lead the group’s “gaming team” said the release.
