Tony Rodio has been named CEO of Great Canadian and comes to the company with nearly 40 years of experience in gaming.
Rodio was most recently CEO of Caesars Entertainment, where he led the company in May 2019 through its acquisition by Eldorado Resorts in July 2020. Rodio’s gaming career includes roles as CEO of Affinity Gaming and President and CEO of Tropicana Entertainment.
He joins Great Canadian as the company traverses through the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the institution of single-event sports betting in Canada.
"Great Canadian is an incredible gaming and entertainment franchise and I'm excited to lead the Company as we continue to safely welcome back team members and guests across the country," said Rodio. "Together with Apollo and my management team, we see tremendous opportunity to build on Great Canadian's leading market position, improving the guest experience and entering new channels for growth, with a continuous focus on the importance of our relationships with our Crown agencies and other key stakeholders."
Rodio will operate out of Great Canadian’s Toronto headquarters. He will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
"Tony is one of the industry's most accomplished executives, and we are confident that his experience leading businesses through transformative periods of innovation and growth will help to take Great Canadian to new heights," said Alex van Hoek, Apollo Partner and Chairman of the Board of Great Canadian. "We are excited to have him at the helm and to support Great Canadian as the Company continues to prioritize and enhance the experience of the guests, team members and communities they serve."
Terrance Doyle, who served Great Canadian’s previous interim CEO, will remain with the company as National President of Business Development.
Apollo announced it would acquire Great Canadian in December 2020 for an estimated $1.96bn.
