Penn’s Tim Wilmott leads ‘AGA search committee’ for next leader

US industry trade group the American Gaming Association (AGA) has established a seven-strong ‘search committee’ to assist with the leadership replacement of Geoff Freeman, who ends his 5-year CEO tenure to join America’s Grocery Manufacturers Association (AGMA) at the end of July.

 The AGA’s search committee will be led by Penn National Gaming Chief Executive Tim Wilmott, who seeks to find an executive to lead the AGA during a crucial period for all industry stakeholders, as the US begins its state-by-state legislation of sports betting post-PASPA.

Wilmot will be supported by a committee of US industry executives including:

• Greg Carlin, co-founder and CEO of Rush Street Gaming;
• Trevor Croker, CEO and managing director of Aristocrat;
• Mark Frissora, president and CEO of Caesars Entertainment;
• Bill Lance Jr, secretary of commerce of Chickasaw Nation;
• Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International;
• Ron Reese, SVP, global communications and corporate affairs of Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

In its corporate update, the AGA confirms that General Counsel AVP Stacy Papadopoulos will act as Interim CEO until Freeman’s replacement is found.

Commenting on the executive search Tim Wilmot detailed: “The gaming industry is widely recognised as among the most popular of consumer entertainment experiences and we take seriously our role in providing this experience safely and responsibly. We are also proud to support the creation of strong jobs and tremendous economic value for the communities in which we operate across the United States. The growing impact of our industry, including the opportunity for states to offer legal sports betting, makes this an especially exciting time to lead our membership toward a vibrant future.”

The AGA’s search for Freeman’s replacement will be supported by Leslie Hortum, Managing Director of Spencer Stuart executive search.