Park Place Entertainment (NYSE: PPE), the world’s largest gaming company, today named veteran international gaming executive Peter George as senior vice president and managing director of the company’s international group.
As chief executive officer of Hilton Group PLC, formerly Ladbroke Group PLC, from 1994 until last year, George directed the company’s extensive gaming, hotel and wagering businesses in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. During his lengthy career at Ladbroke, George served in a variety of positions, including managing director of retail betting, chairman of consumer electronics retailing and chairman of the gaming division. Most recently, George has served as a consultant to Park Place on international gaming issues.

In his new role, George will be responsible for evaluating and developing Park Place’s international business, as well as supervising senior management for the company’s existing international operations - seven casino resorts in Australia, Canada, South Africa and South America. George also will coordinate Internet technology initiatives, including international Internet gaming opportunities in appropriate jurisdictions that are consistent with standards established by Park Place and its regulators.

George will report to Park Place Chief Executive Officer Thomas E. Gallagher on development and Internet matters and to Chief Operating Officer Wallace R. Barr on operational issues.

“With Peter on board, we are bringing all of our international activities together in a single structure, combining operations with development, and bricks and mortar with cyberspace,” said Gallagher. “Peter will lead our efforts to identify and evaluate a wide range of international opportunities that will position us to grow this sector of our business.

“Peter’s long and distinguished career in gaming in the United Kingdom will be especially helpful to us in looking at opportunities there, particularly as the UK government considers the Budd Report, which has recommended introduction of the country’s first large-scale gaming enterprises,” Gallagher added.

“Taking the reins of Park Place’s international group is a tremendous opportunity, and I’m delighted to be joining the senior management team,” said George. “With operations on four continents, great brands and a strong commitment to new technology, Park Place is in a unique position to drive its international business forward.”

Reporting to George are Michael Stirling, senior vice president for international operations and Tom Sears, vice president for Internet initiatives.

Park Place’s international properties include Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast and Conrad International Treasury Casino, Brisbane in Australia; Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax, Casino Nova Scotia, Sydney and Casino Windsor, Ontario in Canada; Caesars Gauteng in South Africa; Conrad Punta del Este in Uruguay.

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