Top Caesars exec leaves company
By Hoa Nguyen, Press of Atlantic City
Big D — as Don Marrandino was known when he ran Harrah’s Tahoe and Harveys — stepped down as head of Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City and Philadelphia on Friday, according to the company.
No reason was given for his departure, although company officials said in a release he was leaving to pursue new opportunities. Marrandino could not be reached Friday night.
The prolific Atlantic City native was named Caesars’ eastern division president in 2009, returning to his hometown after working in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe.
With credentials that include singing backup vocals for Donny and Marie Osmond and friendships with celebrities, such as rock legend Sammy Hagar and country star Toby Keith, Marrandino was known for his sense of entertainment and ability to deliver popular acts to the resort.
This year, Caesars, under Marrandino’s leadership, brought Guns N’ Roses to the House of Blues in Showboat Casino Hotel as well as Van Halen and Madonna to Boardwalk Hall.
“Throughout his career with Caesars, Don has been a great partner and contributor, displaying a dedication to service and a knack for cultivating innovative entertainment strategies,” Tom Jenkin, Caesars’ president of operations, said in a release.
When someone leaves without something specific lined up, there’s obviously an issue of some sort. Don did try to make things happen when he was running the Tahoe operation. Bringing in the Cabo Wabo as a for instance. You could also see in this article that he was trying to make things happen for Caesars/Harrah’s in Atlantic City.
Maybe with the company’s 20 Billion! in debt, and 1.5 Billion in annual interest payments, he sees, as maybe Tahoe should, that corporation doesn’t have much of a future?!