Frank
Fahrenkopf, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA) since
the its founding in 1995, has announced he is stepping down from his position
effective June 30, 2013. He will be retained as a consultant to the AGA to
assist with the transition through at least the end of 2013.
“I
have enjoyed my time at the helm of this incredible organization and am proud
to have represented an industry that provides tens of millions of men and women
with the best entertainment value in the world,” said Fahrenkopf in a prepared
statement. “It has been a true honor to work with so many passionate and
innovative leaders as we have moved the industry forward during the past 17 ½
years.”
The
AGA board and Fahrenkopf have been involved in succession planning over the
course of the past two years and reached an agreement in December 2011 on the
date when he would step down.
“I
cannot begin to express the tremendous gratitude and respect our entire board
holds for Frank,” said Richard Haddrill, chairman of Bally Technologies, Inc.
and chairman of the AGA. “He has been a steady, thoughtful leader through a
period of great change for our industry and has steered us through some of its
most difficult challenges. The fact that today our industry is recognized as a
vital part of the global economy is in no small part due to his tireless
efforts and leadership.”
Fahrenkopf
noted that when the AGA was created, the perception of the gaming industry in
Washington and throughout much of the country was based more on myth than
reality. From its first day of operation, the AGA’s mission has been to create
a better understanding of the industry by bringing the facts about it to the
general public, elected officials, other decision makers and the media through
education and advocacy.
The
AGA has enjoyed tremendous success under Fahrenkopf’s leadership. Gaming
industry leaders cited the positive findings and recommendations of the
National Gambling Impact Study Commission, the establishment and good works of
the National Center for Responsible Gaming, and the worldwide success of
industry trade shows Global Gaming Expo and G2E Asia as watershed
accomplishments.
The
creation and adoption of an industry-wide code of conduct for responsible
gaming, creation of the AGA Diversity Task Force to promote diversity in
industry hiring and procurement, the recent establishment of the Global Gaming
Women program and leadership in the pursuit of intelligent regulatory reform
also are key successes.
"There's
no doubt that Frank's political savvy has been instrumental in protecting and
promoting our industry's interests on Capitol Hill, but the impact of his
leadership stretches well beyond Washington,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO
of MGM Resorts International. “From the very start, he understood the need to
unify the industry in addressing key issues like responsible gaming and
diversity, programs that are at the cornerstone of how we do business. It
hasn't always been easy to bring our disparate group together, but he did
it. Frank's legacy at the AGA is testament to what we can accomplish
together."
“Frank
Fahrenkopf has led the AGA with unique understanding of both federal politics
and the gaming industry,” said Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of
Caesars Entertainment Corp. “He has established our association as the voice of
a dynamic and controversial industry, and done so with integrity, grace and
consistent focus.”
In
acknowledging the host of key individuals who have contributed to the AGA’s
achievements over the years, Fahrenkopf said, “Too many people have played a
major part in our success for me to name each of them, but I would like to
acknowledge the AGA board members who have provided the support we needed to
succeed, and, of course, the staff, both current and former, who made coming
into the office each day a pleasure. I look forward to continuing to work with
this talented group in the coming months as we transition to this new era for
the AGA. Their experience leaves the organization in very good hands.”
An
executive search firm has been retained to identify Fahrenkopf’s successor.
For more information about Fahrenkopf and the AGA, visitwww.americangaming.org.
Fahrenkopf to step down at American Gaming Association
January 7, 2013
No Comments