General manager named at LV property

Wednesday, June 2, 1999 | 10:57 a.m.

Andrew Klebanow was promoted to vice president and general manager of the Santa Fe hotel-casino from vice president of marketing for Santa Fe Gaming Corp.

Klebanow takes over the Santa Fe's GM role from Chris Lowden, executive vice president of Santa Fe Gaming Corp., who wants to devote more time to corporate matters. Klebanow will continue to serve as the company's primary press spokesman.

Klebanow said he is excited about his new role.

"Now, I can effect change," said Klebanow.

Klebanow joined the company in 1991 as director of marketing at the Hacienda hotel-casino. The Hacienda was later sold and then demolished to make way for the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino. Klebanow earned a Masters degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

"Andrew has demonstrated those leadership qualities that are critical to the future growth and success of the Santa Fe," said Lowden in a statement.

In addition to the Santa Fe, Santa Fe Gaming owns the Pioneer hotel-casino in Laughlin, and development property in Henderson and on the Las Vegas Strip.

The company placed the Pioneer and a related subsidiary in bankruptcy earlier this year after missing a $60 million bond payment that was due in December.

Several creditors failed in an attempt earlier this year to force Santa Fe Gaming into bankruptcy, but succeeded in placing two independent directors on the company's board last month.