Affinity Gaming has announced hiring Michael Silberling as its new CEO. The Las Vegas-based casino company tapped the former president of international operations for Caesars Entertainment in the UK to succeed David Ross immediately.
The search to find Ross’ successor began in February when the company announced that its CEO would step down once they find a replacement.
The search took months before Affinity found its man in Silberling. “After a comprehensive search that included a number of highly qualified candidates, we are delighted to appoint Michael as the leader of Affinity,” Affinity Chairman Rich Parisi said in a statement. “Michael is a seasoned gaming executive whose skills, adaptability and impressive track record of success add tremendous value to Affinity. Michael understands the business and we are confident in his ability to help the Affinity achieve its strategic objectives.”
Prior to his stint with Caesars, Silberling served as a senior operating executive at SkyCity Entertainment Group, accumulating over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry.
Silberling’s new role as CEO of Affinity Gaming puts him in charge of the Vegas-based company’s 11 casinos, including five in Nevada, three in Colorado, two in Missouri and one in Iowa.
“There is a meaningful opportunity to establish Affinity as the premier operator of regional gaming assets,” Silberling said. “I look forward to leveraging my operational and regional experience to ensure that Affinity grows its competitive position in the markets in which it operates.”
In addition to announcing Silberling as its new CEO, Affinity Gaming also announced three new appointments to its board—James Zenni, president and CEO of Z Capital Partners LCC; Andrei Scrivens, managing director of the same company; and James Cacioppo, managing director and portfolio manager of One East Capital Advisors LP. All three appointments still need licensing and regulatory approval.
“The addition of Mr. Zenni, Mr. Scrivens and Mr. Cacioppo adds considerable depth and talent to Affinity’s Board,” Parisi said about the new board members. “Each seasoned executive brings strong direct experience relevant to the industry and the issues Affinity is facing.”
