Harrah’s Entertainment announces promotions

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003 | 11:10 a.m.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. has promoted three senior managers in anticipation of its impending $1.46 billion acquisition of Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. The company also announced another promotion and appointments to its board of directors.

Anthony Sanfilippo, president of Harrah's Western Division, will assume a similar role at the company's newly formed Central Division. The division will consist of Harrah's and Horseshoe brand properties in Louisiana, Mississippi and Indiana and will be headquartered at the company's Corporate Services division in Memphis.

Tom Jenkin, senior vice president of Southern Nevada operations, will take Sanfilippo's spot as Western Division president. The division will include the company's Nevada properties as well as two casinos managed for Indian tribes: Harrah's Ak-Chin in Arizona and Harrah's Rincon in California.

Marilyn Winn, corporate senior vice president of human resources, will take Jenkin's spot as senior vice president of Las Vegas operations. Harrah's is seeking a replacement for Winn both internally and externally.

Sanfilippo has extensive experience in Mississippi and Louisiana markets and played a significant role in the growth of Harrah's New Orleans over the past two years, Harrah's Chief Operating Officer Tim Wilmott said. Sanfilippo also was instrumental in the company's acquisition of the Louisiana Downs race track last year.

Harrah's has promoted Jonathan S. Halkyard from vice president of finance to president and treasurer of the company. He assumes the treasurer position from Charles Atwood, who remains senior vice president and chief financial officer of the company. Halkyard will continue to report to Atwood.

Separately, the company has appointed Christopher J. Williams to its board of directors. Williams is chairman and chief executive officer of the Williams Capital Group LP, one of the largest minority-owned investment banks in the country. Williams replaces one of two board members who retired last year.