Longtime Harrah's executive retiring

Longtime Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Eastern Division president Carlos Tolosa, who oversaw the four Harrah's properties in Atlantic City and Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack in Delaware County, announced yesterday that he would retire, after nearly four decades with the company.

Tolosa, 59, joined Harrah's Entertainment in 1971 and moved up its executive ranks.

Gary Loveman, company chairman, chief executive officer, and president, said Tolosa's departure ended "one of the longest and most distinguished careers in the gaming industry."

"It is impossible to overstate the impact Carlos has had on our company and the industry," Loveman said. "His business acumen and tireless commitment to Harrah's have greatly contributed to our company's success and helped him become one of our company's most admired leaders."

Don Marrandino, an Atlantic City native who is regional president of Harrah's Las Vegas, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, Bill's Gamblin' Hall, and O'Sheas, will replace Tolosa.

Marrandino, a 1981 West Chester University graduate, said he was eager to return to his hometown.

"One of the things I'd like to do is to put the focus on making Atlantic City busy," he said. "You do that by putting on events with a lot of energy and entertainment and making it unique."

Other managerial changes were announced yesterday, subject to regulatory approval.

Rick Mazer, Indiana regional president and general manager of Horseshoe Hammond and Horseshoe Indiana, will succeed Marrandino in Las Vegas. Dan Nita, Atlantic City regional president, will fill the Indiana role.

The managerial shuffle comes as Harrah's, like many major U.S. gaming companies, faces lower revenue in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, triggered by the recession and increased competition. The world's largest gambling company is also fending off strike threats from dealers who joined the United Auto Workers union at two of its Atlantic City casinos, Bally's and Caesars.