former caesars windsor vp appointed invest windsoressex coo as budget is cut
invest windsoressex announced monday it has appointed f...
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the invest windsoressex office in downtown windsor is shown on tuesday, december 10, 2024.
dan janisse
/
windsor star
invest windsoressex announced monday it has appointed former caesars windsor executive keith andrews as chief operating officer and strategic advisor to the board of directors. andrews will work with the iwe board of directors for a period of six months to prepare a new strategic plan and review operations with the aim of ensuring alignment with funding-partner and regional stakeholder expectations and contributions.
the recruitment of a permanent ceo will continue while keith undertakes his work on behalf of the board.
“we are pleased to welcome keith andrews to the leadership team at invest windsoressex,” said windsor mayor drew dilkens, who is also board chair of invest windsoressex.
“his proven track record in public and private sector leadership, combined with his commitment to our community, will be invaluable as we work together to create a regional strategy ensuring ongoing economic growth and development.
“i am confident that keith’s expertise and vision will position windsor-essex for continued success.”
andrews served as vice president of corporate affairs at caesars windsor for over 16 years and was also a senior vice president and managing director of gateway casinos and entertainment ltd.
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since 2019 he has served as president of s-a-f advisory.
“it is an honour to join invest windsoressex during such an exciting time for the region,” andrews said.
“i look forward to working with the iwe team, board of directors, stakeholders and community partners to drive innovation, support economic growth and build on the organization’s strong foundation.
“together, we will create a forward-looking strategy that reflects the dynamic opportunities in windsor-essex.”
invest windsoressex has been looking for a permanent ceo since last february after then ceo stephen mackenzie was seconded to the university of windsor to serve as special advisor on innovation and partnerships.
vice president of investment attraction and strategic initiatives joe goncalves has served as the interim ceo since mackenzie’s departure. goncalves will return to concentrating on his previous responsibilities.
one of andrews’s first challenges will be trimming operations after the county of essex slashed invest windsoressex’s 2025 budget by 15 per cent. that’s expected to result in the loss of three to five jobs.
invest windsoressex is funded on a per capita basis and receives the remainder of its financial backing from the city of windsor. the city hasn’t yet finalized its 2025 budget.
