Pinnacle board member, longtime gaming figure John Giovenco announces his retirement

Pinnacle Entertainment board member John Giovenco, who served as the regional casino company’s interim chief executive officer for five months, retired from his position last week.

The Las Vegas-based company made the announcement Friday.

Giovenco joined the Pinnacle board in 2003 and took part in many aspects concerning the company’s growth.

After CEO Dan Lee resigned in November 2009, Giovenco stepped in and directed the company until the hiring of current CEO Anthony Sanfilippo in March 2010.

“John has made significant contributions to the board’s decisions during his tenure,” Pinnacle Chairman Richard Goeglein said in a statement.

Giovenco ran the Hilton Corporation’s casino interests in Nevada in the 1980s and 1990s before retiring.

"I am proud of the growth and positive transformation achieved over the course of my 10 years of service to the company’s shareholders, and particularly by the progress and remarkable results realized over the past three years,” Giovenco said in a statement.

In December, Pinnacle announced plans to acquire rival Ameristar Casinos for $869 million. The transaction is pending regulatory approval.

“I am confident a foundation is in place for Pinnacle to enjoy continued success,” Giovenco said.