By Jeffrey V. Smith
Arnold L. Block
Following a nationwide search, St. Louis-based Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. announced in late June it promoted Arnold L. Block, 63, to be its new chief operating officer. Block replaced Virginia McDowell who served as Isle’s president and COO.
The executive, who earned a BS in business administration from the University of Missouri, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the industry to the position. Prior to being named the new COO, Block has served as senior vice president of Isle Operations from December 2008. He also served as senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s, St. Louis and worked in a variety positions for several years at Argosy Gaming Company. His career began as general manager, and later owner, of a 150-room hotel in Alton, Ill., and as the owner and operator of two restaurants in St. Louis.
“Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his customers, his employees, and the communities in which he operated,” McDowell said in a press release. “His entrepreneurial spirit and focus on operational excellence are evidenced in his record in the gaming industry, as well as his background as a former restaurant owner/operator and tourism executive. Under his leadership, our casinos have and will continue to offer an experience that is consistently clean, safe, friendly and fun.”
