SEARCH NEWS:

 

Harrah's Names New Vice President

LAS VEGAS – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Marybel Batjer has been named Vice President of Public Policy and Communications of Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET), effective January 1, 2005.

Batjer was most recently the Cabinet Secretary to the Governor of California, serving as chief policy advisor to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and directing the activities of the governor's 13 cabinet secretaries. Batjer will oversee Harrah's communications strategies and actions regarding the company's pending acquisition of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CZR).She will report to Chief Integration Officer John Boushy through the completion of the merger.

Following this interim assignment, Batjer will assume responsibility for developing a global communications strategy for Harrah's, ensuring consistent messaging in government relations, external communications and employee communications. She will report to Jan Jones, Senior Vice President of Communications & Government Relations.

"The acquisition of Caesars is the largest and most transformational merger in our company's and our industry's history," Boushy said. "Communicating the benefits brought about by this transaction to many diverse constituents effectively and consistently will be crucial to our success. Throughout her distinguished career in public service, Marybel has demonstrated her exceptional organizational, management and communications talents. She is uniquely qualified to assume this critical mission, and Harrah's is privileged to have her join our team."

Prior to joining the Schwarzenegger administration late last year, Batjer served three years as Chief of Staff to Gov. Kenny Guinn of Nevada. Previously she served as Undersecretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency; Chief Deputy Director, California Department of Fair Employment and Housing; Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy; Special Assistant for National Security Affairs to President Ronald Reagan and Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council; and Assistant to Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger and to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Batjer also previously served as Executive Director of the Institute of Science in Society, a non-profit organization spun off by public relations firm Burson-Martsteller; and Director of Political Planning for the National Women's Political Caucus.

After receiving a B.A. degree from Mills College, Batjer entered graduate studies in International Policy at Johns Hopkins University. She also attended executive studies for National and International Security at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Various subsidiaries of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. own or manage 28 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's and Horseshoe brand names. Founded 67 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its valued customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

< Gaming News