LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--David Zamarin has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Tropicana Entertainment, LLC responsible for developing the corporate marketing function. From 2002-2008, Zamarin was head of corporate marketing at Penn National Gaming where he successfully implemented marketing, marketing research and brand development strategies for Penn’s 16 casino and racino operations.

“We are very pleased to have David join our team,” said Tropicana CEO Scott C. Butera. “He brings us a wealth of knowledge and experience in database marketing, customer development, and promotional activities. He also has the strategic vision to lead the development of a brand strategy that positions us for future growth.”

While at Penn, Zamarin built the company’s first-ever corporate level marketing and marketing research functions. In the role he created marketing performance standards which were measured through comprehensive evaluations of marketing efficiencies and effectiveness. He also developed a series of property satisfaction surveys to help inform and guide the company’s customer acquisition and retention programs.

Zamarin, who holds a Ph.D. in Experimental/Social Psychology from the University of Southern California, began his gaming career in 1982 as the Director of Research for Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos in Reno, Nevada. Harrah’s later (1986) elevated him to Vice President of Marketing and Sales at its flagship Las Vegas strip casino. In 1989 he opened Exxact Research + Marketing, a casino marketing consulting firm he operated until 1991 when he returned to the gaming industry at Gold River Gambling Hall in Laughlin and went on to become the Director of Sales and Marketing for Peppermill Hotel and Casino in Reno.

From 1993 to 2002, Zamarin honed his marketing skills as the head of marketing in some of the most competitive land-based and riverboat gaming markets in the country including Showboat Mardi Gras Casino in East Chicago, Illinois; the Showboat Hotel Casino in Las Vegas; and Hyatt’s Grand Victoria Casino and Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana.

In addition to his doctoral degree, Zamarin earned a Masters in Psychology from California State University in Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA.

Hud Englehart
Beacon Advisors