Tell us a bit about your 30+ years of experience in the gaming and hospitality industries.
Starting out in hospitality, I began my journey with Rank Entertainment in their hospitality division and worked as an Assistant Manager in 1989. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rank, particularly in the late-night hospitality sector, where I worked in nightclubs and bars. I spent several years at Rank, gradually working my way up to the position of Area Manager.
However, Rank eventually sold the division to another company. Despite this change, I cherished the experiences I had at Rank. I had the opportunity to open numerous key properties, leisure worlds and sites, and it saddened me to witness the company’s departure. Consequently, I moved on to work with other companies and eventually became the Managing Directorof Luminar, the largest operator in the UK.
While most people go to work in an office, where they may have a pleasant atmosphere, working in an environment where everyone is actively seeking a good time is an entirely different experience
It was during this period that I was approached about working for Caesars Entertainment. Having never worked in casinos before, the prospect seemed like an exciting evolution in my career. Additionally, I felt that I was getting a bit too old for the nightclub scene, making the transition to casinos more appealing. It was a highly transferable skill set, as both industries revolve around interpersonal interactions and dealing with people.
What do you like the most about being in the gaming industry?
The best part of working in the casino industry is the opportunity to interact with individuals who are out for a night of enjoyment. While most people go to work in an office, where they may have a pleasant atmosphere, working in an environment where everyone is actively seeking a good time is an entirely different experience.
This means that I not only engage with customers but also with employees, creating a dynamic work environment centredaround people.
So, there are numerous transferable skills that are essential for delivering great experiences in both sectors. With this in mind, I joined the Empire and had a fantastic time there.
I thoroughly enjoyed my tenure with Caesars and steadily progressed to the position of Operations Director within Caesars Entertainment. Eventually, I was given the responsibility of overseeing EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) operations, which included managing a resort in South Africa. The experience was truly remarkable, as I had the opportunity to visit a safari park in addition to the casino and aqua dome.
Moreover, we had three casinos located in Cairo, Egypt, which presented their own unique set of challenges. Alongside these international ventures, I was also responsible for managingall of the UK properties. However, Caesars later sold its operations to Metropolitan Gaming and I assumed the role of COO for Metropolitan. This brings us to the timeline when I joined Rank.
there is a common misconception that casinos are predominantly frequented by individuals aged 50 to 60, dressed in bow ties reminiscent of James Bond movies
You said you’re going to try to target a younger audience like millennials and Gen-Z. What sort of direction are yougoing to take with that?
When I refer to a younger generation, I don’t expect the Vic to be exclusively filled with 19 and 20-year-olds. However, there is a common misconception that casinos are predominantly frequented by individuals aged 50 to 60, dressed in bow ties reminiscent of James Bond movies.
Our aim is to provide a more contemporary look and feel while still meeting people’s expectations of a satisfying gaming experience. This entails creating a brighter, more vibrant atmosphere with cleaner and more modern finishes. Additionally, we intend to enhance the prominence of slots and electronic gaming options, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry.
