Park Place Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: PPE) today announced the promotion of senior executive Kim Sinatra to the new post of executive vice president and chief legal officer. Sinatra replaces Clive S. Cummis, former executive vice president for law and corporate affairs, who has retired. (Cummis will remain a member of the company’s board of directors and its vice chairman.)

In her new role, Sinatra will lead the company’s legal, regulatory, security and compliance functions as well as project development and acquisition activities. Since joining Park Place last June as senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Sinatra has been responsible for day-to-day operations of the corporate legal department. In addition, during 2001, she led the company’s efforts to develop a casino resort in New York State’s Catskill Mountains in partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.

“Kim Sinatra is an extraordinarily accomplished and experienced lawyer and business executive,” said Park Place President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas E. Gallagher. “In the time that she’s been with us, she’s made a tremendous contribution to our company. We’re delighted that she’s now taking on added responsibilities as a member of our executive committee. She will be an important resource in our future growth and development,” Gallagher added.

“I’m proud to join the innovative and talented management team that has come together at Park Place,” Sinatra said. “We have a great opportunity to create some terrific value in this company. I’m pleased to have a part in that effort as we grow our business and expand into new markets.” Before joining Park Place, Sinatra served as executive vice president and general counsel of The Griffin Group, a hotel, gaming and entertainment company owned by entertainer Merv Griffin. She served as chief legal counsel for the investment holding firm as well as the head of the company’s legal, human resources and construction and development groups. During her tenure at The Griffin Group, Sinatra was directly involved in the company’s casino, riverboat gaming, hotel and television and motion picture businesses.

Previously, she was a partner in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, specializing in the acquisition, disposition and financing of real estate and dealing with real estate assets in major corporate mergers and acquisitions. She also was a partner in the Miami office of Stearns, Weaver, Miller, Weissler, Alhadeff & Sitterson, where she handled matters related to real estate, bankruptcy and restructuring.

Born in Jamestown, NY, Sinatra graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley College with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Chicago Law School. Sinatra recently moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and three sons.

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