Isle names new Cape Girardeau GM, temporary office site

Chet Koch, who grew up in Atlantic City, N.J., and has worked in the gambling industry for more than three decades, on Monday was named general manager of Isle of Capri's new Cape Girardeau casino.

The appointment, which also includes the title vice president, becomes effective Jan. 2, said chief operating officer Arnold Block.

The announcement was made Monday morning at the Marquette Tower, where the casino company also said it will house its temporary offices until the casino opens in late 2012. The company will lease the entire fifth floor as well as two offices on the main floor for human resources for the $125 million project.

"Chet's input and leadership will be important assets as we outline the timelines for hiring, staffing and training our employees," Block said during a 10:30 a.m. news conference.

Koch is well-suited to his new role, Block said. Koch, 53, has been a part of a dozen casino openings over the course of his career, including six operated by Caesar's Entertainment (formerly Harrah's) in Joliet, Ill.; Vicksburg and Tunica, Miss.; Shreveport, La.; and Kansas City, Mo.

During one stint in the mid-1990s, Koch opened six riverboat casinos in 18 months.

"I wouldn't have planned it, but it's really been a great career," Koch said following the news conference. "It's one of those things I fell into at 21 years old and it just took me."

Koch's first task as general manager will be to hire his executive team, usually five or six people who will head up areas such as marketing, human resources and finance. He intends for that team to be in place by the end of the year's first quarter, which will be followed by the hiring of the 450 casino employees in late spring and early summer.

Koch will be moving to Cape Girardeau from Kansas City, where he works as vice president and general manager for the Isle of Capri casino there.

Koch began his casino career in 1979 as a cage cashier at Resorts International in Atlantic City. In 1980, he was named to his first management position with the opening of the former Harrah's Marina property.

Over the next 33 years, Koch traveled the globe, including a stay in Australia as the controller during the opening of Conrad International Hotel and Jupiter's Casino in the mid-1980s. Before joining Isle in 2010, Koch served as vice president and general manager of Ameristar Casino in Kansas City.

Koch stood out from a field of internal and external candidates, Block said.

"We knew we had someone, because of his long history of opening properties, who knew how important it was to get here and get integrated into the community," Block said. "We just felt he had the right skill set, talents and maturity to undertake this project. ... We feel he can take the baton and transition very smoothly."

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger said the "dream" of the casino is becoming more of a reality with each Isle announcement.

"It's real; it's here," Rediger said.

Koch's appointment is pending regulatory approval by the Missouri Gaming Commission.

smoyers@semissourian.com

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