Bill Callahan becomes interim CEO of Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino
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One of the leading casinos in Atlantic City – Ocean Casino Resort – has named one of its executives, Bill Callahan, as its interim CEO. The news came shortly after the approval of Callahan’s appointment by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement.
This promotion comes in the wake of the resignation of the former CEO, Terry Glebocki, who had occupied the position for two years. During Terry’s tenure, she worked closely with senior executives to shift the company from an obscure casino into a profitable venture.
Before he was appointed interim CEO for the casino, Callahan served as Executive Vice President and Senior VP of Ocean Casino, strengthening deeper relations with the casino and its faithful customers.
With his latest appointment, Callahan will have a new challenge on his hands: spearheading some of the casino’s creative marketing campaigns to reposition the casino for dominance in the New Jersey area. Noticeably, competition among casinos in Atlantic City has been stiff, with online casinos fully regulated by the state.
Callahan isn’t one to shy away from such responsibilities, as his previous positions at the casino have served as a testament to his work ethic and commitment to excellence. He has well over two decades of experience in the casino industry, making him the best fit for the task.
Before working at Ocean Casino, Callahan was the VP of Relationship Marketing at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa for 17 years. During his stint there, he was integral to the success recorded at the company. He served as the head of a group of executives that were in charge of slots, table games, and even Asian game marketing.
Callahan was so good at his job that when he switched camp to work for Ocean Casino with other executives last year, his former employer sued Ocean Casino for poaching, in addition to stealing sensitive trade secrets. However, the lawsuit was dropped back in May after both parties reached a settlement that was deemed ‘amicable’.
Callahan’s appointment as interim CEO isn’t the only news coming from Ocean Casino. Last month, New Jersey casino regulations gave the green light to a deal that resulted in half of the casino being sold to the influential Ilitch Family.
The Ilitch Family is notable for owning professional brands in the food, entertainment, and sports industries. These brands include Champion Foods, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Olympia Development, Little Caesars, Blue Line Distribution, and many others. Most recently, Detroit Tigers, one of their brands, agreed to a 5-year deal worth $77m with starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez.
The acquisition, which is pegged at $175m, will result in the Ilitch Family actively and equally engaging in the important decision-making process of the casino. Approximately $70m will be directed towards the completion of 464 hotel rooms that have been uncompleted since the complex launched in 2012.
From all indications, one can deduce that Bill Callahan will have a lot on his plate in the coming months, particularly this holiday season. Ocean Casino is hosting the Jewish Festival of Lights with a special Hanukkah menu at Makai – one of their latest additions.
From Sunday, November 28 through Monday, December 6 this year, Makai will offer exceptional traditional dishes with an island twist. The casino will also be making monetary donations to Jewish Family Services of Atlantic City in support of the menu.
The casino has also been involved in national and social causes lately. In addition to serving as the lead sponsor of the Atlantic City Airshow, Ocean Casino supported the Veteran Resource Row in August.
Veterans were treated to complimentary valet services, including lounging, wining, and dining with their friends at discounted rates. Veterans also had the opportunity to participate in the Free Play Sweepstakes – where four winners were selected every 30 minutes to win $500 Free Play. The casino also doubled their prize for all Free Play winners given an American Flag, a reminder of their all-important service and sacrifice for their country.
In partnership with Luxor Capital Group, Ocean Casino donated $15,000 to the AtlantiCare Foundation’s Growing Green Garden Initiative. The aim of the program is to create, develop and sustain local community gardens to improve the nutritional habits of the young and old by cultivating healthy and eco-friendly products.
The donations from Ocean Casino were utilized by the Uptown School Complex and the Absecon Lighthouse, both of which are based in the North Beach community. Notably, the Uptown School Complex was honored to receive two indoor garden towers that can be used to grow plants within classrooms and as an educational resource for the school year.
