Callahan’s new role comes as a promotion for the industry veteran, with him having previously served as Executive VP and Senior VP of Ocean. He boasts more than two decades of industry experience, having worked for various gaming companies during his career.
Before joining Ocean, Callahan was employed at the Borgata casino, where he acted as VP of Relationship Marketing for 17 years. In that time, he oversaw a team of executives that managed table games, slots and Asian games marketing.
Callahan’s departure from Borgata wasn’t without controversy as he left alongside a group of execs who went on to work for Ocean. Owing to this exodus of key figures, Borgata sued Ocean in 2020, alleging that it had sought to steal trade secrets. However, Borgata dropped its lawsuit in May 2021 after both parties reached an “amicable” settlement.
The news of Callahan’s promotion comes in the wake of former CEO Terry Glebocki’s resignation, who held the position for two years. During her brief tenure, she navigated the rocky financial waters facing Ocean to return it to profitability.
At the time, the casino commented: “Terry joined Ocean on the brink of bankruptcy, and is leaving the property as a leading casino resort in Atlantic City.”
Callahan’s appointment also follows a deal for a 50% stake in the Ocean Casino by the Ilitch family. The new part-owners will invest more than $75m over the next year, with construction set to begin on 12 floors of the hotel, adding 360 guest rooms and nearly 100 suites.
