This week, one of Canada’s premier casino operators, Great Canadian Entertainment, announced an important appointment. The company revealed that it has hired Pauline Alimchandani as Chief Financial Officer, who will take over the role effective from March 31, 2024. At that time, the current CFO Darren Gwozd will step down from the position.
Since 1982, GCE has been one of Canada’s leading gambling and hospitality companies, which runs 25 premium gaming, entertainment, and hospitality locations in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Its destinations tout over one million feet of gaming space, 19,000 slots, 650 live table games, and over 60 restaurants and 20 million visitors every year.
Welcoming the New CFO Aboard
Matthew Anfinson, the operator’s CEO, said the company is pleased to welcome Ms. Alimchandani to its senior management team. He believes that her rich public sector experience and immaculate leadership record in finance, capital markets, and financial reporting, will be crucial for the corporation, which continues to seek long-term growth.
Mr. Anfinson added that the current CFO, Mr. Gwozd has been a crucial member of the company’s finance team for over six years and has aided in the corporation’s navigation through a transformational period. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the senior management team, and the firm’s team members, thanked Mr. Gwozd for his contributions over the years.
Meanwhile, Ms. Alimchandani said she is eager to join the company and contribute to its strong financial and operational foundation. Before arriving at the Canadian gaming operator, she was Chief Financial Officer for Northland Power, where was responsible for overseeing a global team across several key functions and headed the organization’s Investment Committee.
Additionally, Ms. Alimchandani boasts over 18 years of professional experience, after also serving as Executive VP and CFO of Dream Unlimited Corp, VP, Corporate Strategy at Dream, and VP, Equity Research at BMO Capital Markets. Also, in 2020, she was included in one of Canada’s 50 Best Executives by the Report on Business/Globe and Mail and in 2022, she got Canada’s Clean 50.
Launching Canada’s Largest Casino Resort
Last year, Great Canadian Entertainment opened its newest gaming location in Ontario, as Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto kicked off operations in the summer of 2023. The CA$1-billion resort is now the largest one across Canada stretching over 328,000 square feet of land while offering 4,800 slot machines, 145 live table games, VIP rooms, and sports betting terminals.
In November 2023, Ontario’s newest resort launched a brand-new and state-of-the-art poker room. The new amenity is open to patrons seven days a week and offers 30 tables while being located on a private floor and catering to poker fans’ needs. Additionally, the new venue also offers ‘Bad Beat’ Jackpots, which are available at other casino locations of the company.
Source: “Great Canadian Entertainment Appoints Pauline Alimchandani as CFO” PR Newswire, February 20, 2024
