After purchasing Affinity Gaming last year, private equity management firm, Z Capital Partners, has now announced the hiring of experienced industry professional, Anthony ‘Tony’ Rodio, to serve as the American casino operator’s latest Chief Executive Officer.
Hired to help accelerate growth:
Z Capital Partners, which is a subsidiary of Z Capital Group, detailed Rodio’s appointment via an official Monday press release and declared that he is now due to be tasked with accelerating the Las Vegas-based firm’s growth while enhancing ‘player experience.’
Affinity Gaming is responsible for eleven casinos in four states including the 777-room Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino near Las Vegas as well as Colorado’s Golden Gates Casino, Golden Gulch Casino and Golden Mardi Gras Casino. It was acquired by Z Capital Group via a $580 million deal in February of 2017 with an aim of expanding into further markets while progressing profitability through a series of enhanced efficiencies and operating improvements.
Owner hails ‘proven executive’:
The firm described Rodio as ‘a proven executive with more than three decades of experience in the gaming industry and a strong track record of transformative growth’ that had previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer for rival casino firm Tropicana Entertainment Incorporated.
Attractive track record:
James Zenni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Z Capital Partners, proclaimed that Rodio had been responsible for ‘unprecedented growth’ while at his previous firm as Tropicana Entertainment Incorporated grew its gross revenues by more than 50% by entering regional markets and instituting operational improvements. He stated that the executive moreover oversaw major capital projects that included the $200 million renovation of Tropicana Atlantic City.
Zenni’s statement read…
“We are committe 7BALL CC d to Affinity Gaming becoming a leader in the local casino market and Rodio’s career accomplishments make him uniquely qualified to lead the company in its next phase of growth and development. Rodio is one of the top executives in the gaming industry and I’m confident that he is the right person to drive Affinity Gaming’s continued growth and enhanced commitment to the player experience. I look forward to working closely with him in this new role.”
Executive honored by appointment:
For his part, Rodio described joining Affinity Gaming as ‘an honor’ before proclaiming that he is now looking forward to working with Z Capital Group, which he called ‘an experienced and proven investor in the gaming industry.’
Rodio’s statement read…
“I look forward to leading Affinity Gaming in its next phase of growth and I am excited to partner with our management team and general managers to enhance the experience for our valued customers.”
