Local Resident with Extensive Experience Takes the Helm at the Region's Largest Tourism Destination
RAMA, ON, May 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Casino Rama, one of Ontario's premier entertainment destinations and a key regional tourism draw, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Drake to the position of President & CEO.
"John's understanding of the gaming industry in Ontario and his leadership abilities make him an excellent choice for the position", said John Finamore, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at Penn National Gaming Inc. "Both staff and patrons can expect great things in the coming year".
John has had an impressive career in the gaming industry in Ontario. He started out in the Finance Department at Casino Rama when the property opened in 1996. He then moved to Casino Niagara, continuing in the Finance Department before becoming Director of Slot Operations until 2002. Next, he moved to Fallsview Casino Resort as Director of Project Development until 2005, when he became Director of Market Development. In 2007, he returned to Casino Niagara as Senior Director of Operations before coming back home to Casino Rama in 2008. Upon his return, John held the position of Vice President of Gaming Operations, before moving into the role of Vice President of Marketing in 2013. John was born in Toronto, raised in Barrie, and now resides in Midhurst with his family. The Drakes are strong community supporters who are involved with a variety of organizations that support local education and health initiatives.
"I'm thrilled and privileged to be taking over the leadership role at Casino Rama. The employees and management staff are a significant reason for the success of the property", said John Drake, President & CEO, Casino Rama. "It's truly a privilege to return home to steer an organization that is positively engaged with the community and that contributes to the economic success of the region where I grew up".
Casino Rama is operated by Penn National Gaming Inc. The Company presently operates twenty-six facilities in seventeen jurisdictions, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia, and Ontario. This permanent appointment comes as interim CEO, Frank Quigley, returns to the United States to continue his career with Penn National Gaming. Quigley was named interim leader this past January.
About Casino Rama Resort:
Operating since July 31, 1996, Casino Rama is Ontario's only First Nations commercial casino and has earned a reputation for presenting exclusive world-class sporting, entertainment & television events. The Casino offers a complete entertainment experience with over 2,500 slot machines, more than 100 gaming tables, 8 unique restaurants, a world-class 5,000 seat Entertainment Centre, and a 300-room all-suite, full-service hotel, featuring spa and health club facilities. Casino Rama is operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc.
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SOURCE Casino Rama
Image with caption: "Newly appointed President & CEO of Casino Rama, John Drake (CNW Group/Casinos Rama)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150508_C7601_PHOTO_EN_16388.jpg
For media requiring more information, please contact: Jenna Hunter, Director of Public Relations, Casino Rama, t.705 329 5179 / c.705 323 0092, e. [email protected], t. @CasinoRamaLive / f. CasinoRamaResort
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