Las Vegas based sports betting operator Affinity Gaming have announced the appointment of Michael Silberling as Chief Executive Officer. Michael Silberling, succeeds David Ross, effective immediately, has also been named a member of the Board of Directors ).
Mr. Silberling joins Affinity from a senior leadership position at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, formerly known as Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., with more than two decades experience and a proven track record of successfully transforming operations in the gaming industry. During his time at Harrah’s, he gained direct experience operating multiple properties in markets where Affinity does business namely in Iowa and Missouri, as well as in Northern and Southern Nevada.
Most recently, Mr. Silberling concluded an assignment in the U.K. as President of International Operations where his hands on leadership style resulted in the successful competitive repositioning and turnaround of more than 12 properties in seven countries. Before Caesars, Mr. Silberling served as a senior operating executive at SKYCITY Entertainment Group. A native of Northern California, Mr. Silberling graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Dartmouth College and a Masters in Business Administration from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
“After a comprehensive search that included a number of highly qualified candidates, we are delighted to appoint Michael as the leader of Affinity,” said Rich Parisi, Affinity’s Chairman. “Michael is a seasoned gaming executive whose skills, adaptability and impressive track record of success add tremendous value to Affinity. Michael understands the business and we are confident in his ability to help the Affinity achieve its strategic objectives.”
“It is a great privilege to join the Affinity team and I look forward to working with my talented colleagues to deliver added value to our business and shareholders,” said Mr. Silberling. “There is a meaningful opportunity to establish Affinity as the premier operator of regional gaming assets. I look forward to leveraging my operational and regional experience to ensure that Affinity grows its competitive position in the markets in which it operates.”