Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. has chosen Gary Loveman, who was largely responsible for growing the company’s Total Rewards loyalty program, to succeed Philip G. Satre as chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1. Satre will retain his position as chairman of the Las Vegas-based gambling concern’s board.
Satre has been with Harrah’s since 1980, when he joined the company as vice president, general counsel and secretary. He was named president and CEO of the Harrah’s Gaming Group in 1984 and joined the company’s board of directors in 1988. He was named CEO of the company in 1994 and in 1997 was elected chairman.
Loveman joined Harrah’s in 1998, and previously held the position of president and chief operating officer. Under his guidance, the company’s Total Rewards loyalty program, as well as Harrah’s other customer relationship management efforts, have become responsible for driving a significant portion of the chain’s revenue.
Timothy Wilmott, Harrah’s eastern division president, will assume Loveman’s COO duties.