Boyd executive Boughner to lead development efforts

Longtime Boyd Gaming Corp. executive Bob Boughner, who had been overseeing the company’s efforts on the now halted Echelon project, will become the casino operator’s chief development officer.

In a statement released Tuesday. Boughner, who had been president of Echelon, will lead the Boyd’s new business development efforts.

Echelon was a planned $4.8 billion, multiple hotel development on the site of the since imploded Stardust. Boyd Gaming stopped construction on the project in August 2008 and announced this year in shelving Echelon for up to three to five years.

Boughner, who had over-seen planning and development of Echelon, returned to his former position as president of Borgata, the company’s flagship Atlantic City hotel-casino.

In his new role, Boughner will continue to oversee Borgata, but also evaluate potential expansion opportunities, build corporate relationships and alliances; and pursue new business opportunities, including Internet gaming.

Boughner joined Boyd Gaming in 1976, and has served in a variety of senior executive positions, including general manager of several properties. He has served on the company’s Board of Directors since 1996.