ST. LOUIS, Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Isle of Capri
Casinos, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISLE) today announced that Virginia McDowell, president and chief executive
officer, will retire from the company and the board of directors,
effective April 27, 2016. Upon
her retirement, and subject to customary regulatory approvals:
- Eric Hausler, Isle's chief
financial officer, will succeed McDowell as chief executive
officer;
- Arnold Block, Isle's chief
operating officer, will become president and chief operating
officer; and
- Michael Hart, currently the vice
president of treasury and risk management, will be promoted to
senior vice president, accounting and treasury and will oversee the
company's financial and accounting affairs.
"Virginia has made significant contributions to Isle's
development and success," said Robert
Goldstein, chairman of the board. "I sincerely
appreciate her leadership and wish her all the best in
retirement."
Goldstein continued, "Eric is an important member of the Isle
family with years of experience in the industry and great
vision. More importantly, he is passionate about our company
and employees. We believe that he is the ideal person to lead
the next chapter at Isle."
"We have an outstanding team and culture at Isle and our balance
sheet is one of the strongest in regional gaming," said
Hausler. "Together they provide a great platform to create
value for our shareholders. We will continue to execute on
the strategy that has made us successful including differentiating
ourselves with friendly and excellent customer service, reinvesting
in our properties to drive organic growth, optimizing our marketing
programs and remaining vigilant about our cost structure.
"I am excited and thankful to the board for giving me the
opportunity to lead Isle," Hausler continued. "I am also grateful
for the support and mentorship that Virginia has provided to
me."
"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Isle over the past
nearly nine years," said McDowell. "This transition comes at a time
of strength for Isle. I am extremely pleased with what we
have achieved during my tenure at Isle, first as president and
chief operating officer and then as president and CEO. I
believe now is the right time for me to retire and allow this team
to bring new excitement, energy, ideas and perspectives to the
company."
McDowell concluded, "I want to thank the great people we have
working at Isle for their dedication and loyalty to the
company. Their hard work has always been – and will continue
to be – the cornerstone of Isle's success."
Hausler was named chief financial officer in July 2014. Prior to that, he served as chief
strategic officer from 2011 to 2014 and senior vice president,
strategic initiatives from 2009 to 2011. Before joining Isle,
Hausler served as senior vice president of development for another
gaming company and held various positions on Wall Street covering
the gaming, lodging and leisure industries.
Block was named chief operating officer in June 2011.
Prior to that, from December 2008 to
June 2011, Block was senior vice
president, Isle operations. Prior to joining Isle, Block
served for fifteen years in a variety of operational leadership
capacities for other gaming companies.
Hart, a certified public accountant, was named vice president,
treasury and risk management in 2009. Prior to that, from
2007 to2009, he was controller of special projects. Before
joining Isle, Hart worked for Ernst & Young, LLP.
About Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. is a leading regional gaming and
entertainment company dedicated to providing guests with
exceptional experience at each of the 14 casino properties that it
owns or operates, primarily under the Isle and Lady Luck
brands. The Company currently operates gaming and
entertainment facilities in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. More information is available at
the Company's website, www.islecorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking
statements, which are subject to change. These forward-looking
statements may be significantly impacted, either positively or
negatively by various factors, including without limitation,
licensing, and other regulatory approvals, financing sources,
development and construction activities, costs and delays, weather,
permits, competition and business conditions in the gaming
industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements
herein.
Additional information concerning potential factors that could
affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and
expansion projects, is included in the filings of the Company with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited
to, its Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.
CONTACTS:
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.,
Eric Hausler, Chief Financial
Officer-314.813.9205
Jill Alexander, Senior Director
of Corporate Communication-314.813.9368
http://www.islecorp.com
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SOURCE Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.