Great Canadian Entertainment, one of the most powerful gaming and entertainment companies in Canada, has announced the appointment of Matthew Afinson as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Anthony Rodio, the former Chief Executive Officer, has announced his retirement after having been in charge of the business since May 2019. Matthew Afinson has been working at Great Canadian as Chief Operating Officer.
Before joining Great Canadian Entertainment, Matthew Afinson was employed for seven years at Caesars Entertainment, first as Vice President and Executive Associate to the Chief Marketing Officer, and then as Senior Vice President of Operations.
The new Great Canadian Entertainment CEO has also spent time at Harrah’s St. Louis as Vice President of Finance, at Horseshoe Casino as Director of Finance and also at Caesars Atlantic City.
Speaking about his new position, Matthew Afinson described the appointment as “an enormous privilege” and also pointed out that the company finds itself at a “defining juncture” as it looks to “set a new industry standard for gaming and entertainment in Canada.”
Alex van Hoek, the Chairman of Great Canadian Entertainment, described the new Chief Executive Officer as “a North American leader” in the casino industry and added that Matthew Afinson has “a deep understanding of the business.”
Along with the appointment of Matthew Afinson, Great Canadian Entertainment also announced that Jordan Banks was appointed as the first executive chairperson of the company.