Caesars Entertainment is not waiting to win a casino license to work its way into Boston’s business community.
John Payne, Caesars president for central markets and partnership development, has been elected to a three-year term on the Greater Boston Convention Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, according to a statement from the bureau.
Payne, one of the company’s two presidents, oversees properties in eight states. He leads Caesars’ efforts to develop and operate a casino at Suffolk Downs. He joined the company in 1995.
“John’s appointment will provide the Boston visitor industry and our 1,200 member companies the benefit of his senior level sales, marketing and promotional experiences and knowledge,” said David Giblin, chairman of the bureau’s Board of Directors and vice president of sales for Marriott Hotels.
Patrick Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the bureau, added: “John developed the model for integrated city casinos in New Orleans, where the company partners with local hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions. Caesars and Suffolk Downs’ desire to replicate this model in Boston will mean new joint marketing opportunities for our members and new business for our city.”
Payne is a graduate of Duke University and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is a board member of the Audubon Institute, the Drew Brees Dream Foundation and the Idea Village.
“Boston’s rich history, culture and attractions make it one of the world’s great destinations – and are the elements that have attracted us to this market,” Payne said. “I am very proud of our track record of integrating local businesses into our programming, and we are committed to developing a resort that enhances the region’s appeal and benefits existing businesses and attractions if we are fortunate enough to earn a license here.”
Caesars and Suffolk Downs are competing for the sole Greater Boston resort casino license with Wynn Resorts, in Everett, and a Foxwoods project in Milford.