GAMBLING INSIDER

US tribal casino operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment (MGE) has announced the appointment of Mario Kontomerkos to the post of Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 16 October.

Kontomerkos will replace Mitchell Etess, the former Mohegan Chief Executive who returned on an interim basis when Bobby Soper abruptly resigned in February amid an investigation of financial irregularities at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

He had previously worked in financial and research roles with companies including Penn National Gaming, JP Morgan Securities, Lehman Brothers and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; before joining the casino operator in 2011, serving as Chief Financial Officer.

In his new role, Kontomerkos will oversee all day-to-day operations for MGE, including 'ongoing brand growth' as the regional casino operator said in July it planned to start construction of its new casino resort in South Korea before the end of 2017. He will also ensure MGE delivers unmatched personalised services and memorable guest experiences.

In a statement commenting on Kontomerkos’ appointment, Mohegan Chairman Kevin Brown said: “Having served as a senior executive for Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment for nearly six years, Mario has, in his role as chief financial officer, actively supported Mohegan’s development of new opportunities in the United States and abroad.”

Following his promotion, the new CEO commented: “Due to the incredible efforts of a very talented, dedicated, and special group of people here at MGE, we have over the last five years quietly been part of an amazing turnaround story in our industry.

“I am grateful to the Mohegan Tribe and the MGE team members for the opportunity to lead MGE into our next phase of growth."