Gaming Partners International Corporation (NASDAQ:GPIC) , announced today the appointment of Gregory Gronau as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the company effective immediately. Gronau will assume duties that include management of the company's U.S. and Mexico operations conducted through its subsidiary, Gaming Partners International USA, Inc.
The hiring is part of a succession plan necessitated by the planned retirement of longtime President and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Charlier. Charlier is due to retire in September 2009.
Gronau has enjoyed a successful career in the gaming industry with extensive experience in both manufacturing operations and the emerging technologies that are becoming critically important for this business sector. Commenting on Mr. Gronau's selection, GPIC Chairperson of the Board, Elisabeth Carrette said, "We've been searching for a person with the right mix of skills and expertise to manage our operations in the United States and Mexico and be able to help lead the company to greater achievements and market dominance. Mr. Gronau's wealth of experience will be instrumental in the strategic direction of the company for years to come."
Gronau joins GPIC after serving as President and CEO of Cadillac Jack. He previously served as Vice President of Operations for Shuffle Master, Inc. and Vice President of Distribution Services for WMS Industries. His areas of responsibilities with GPIC will include manufacturing, sales, and marketing operations for North America. "Greg brings a level of expertise that will be very important to the future of this company and his skills are well-suited to Gaming Partners International," said Gerard Charlier, President and Chief Executive Officer of GPIC. Speaking about his new position, Gronau said, "I am very excited about the opportunity to join this phenomenal organization. GPIC has enjoyed a stellar reputation in the gaming industry and has long been recognized as the dominant player in the table game equipment and casino currency arena." Gronau continued, "With the market set to grow into new areas and the expansion of RFID in the industry, GPIC is well positioned to be able to capitalize on its strengths."
A native of Illinois, Gronau attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and has been active in numerous community and civic organizations throughout his career.
Gaming Partners International Corporation, or GPIC, manufactures and supplies (under the brand names of Paulson(R), Bourgogne et Grasset and Bud Jones(R)) gaming chips including 125 KHz and 13.56 MHz RFID chips, jetons and plaques, RFID readers, wheels, tables, layouts, playing cards, dice and other products that are used with casino table games. GPIC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, with offices in Beaune, France, San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Gulfport, Mississippi. GPIC sells its casino products directly to licensed casinos throughout the world.
