The Mohegan Tribe has named a new chief executive officer for its gaming and entertainment enterprise.
Mario Kontomerkos will run Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment's ventures in the United States and soon in South Korea. He has served as the chief financial officer for the tribe's operation, previously known as the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, since September 2011. "Mario's knowledge and experience has kept us disciplined in our financial approach, competitive in the gaming and entertainment industry, and always cognizant of a business and management approach aligned with our tribal rulture and the Mohegan way," Chairman Kevin Brown "Red Eagle" said in a press release. "We trust he will only further build MGE as a compelling, all-encompassing brand - solidifying MGE as an industry leader in integrated resort experiences around the world." Kontomerkos succeeds Bobby Soper, who was the first tribal citizen to hold the executive post. Soper left in February under circumstances that are still unclear, with some media reports suggesting it was tied to an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at one of the tribe's properties while others raising a conflict of interest issue. The tribe operates a casino in its reservation in southeastern Connecticut and a commercial casino in Pennsylvania. MGE also has entered into agreements at Indian and non-Indian operations in Louisiana, New Jersey and Washington. The South Korea project is still in development. Separately, the tribe is pursuing a second casino in Connecticut in a partnership with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The facility will be considered a commercial venture under state law. Read More on the Story: