Caesars official who developed rewards program leaving company

David Norton, who was widely credited for developing a tiered program that rewards gamblers not only for past play but future wagers, is leaving Caesars Entertainment Corp. after 13 years with the company, a company spokesman said.

Caesars spokesman Gary Thompson said the departure by Norton, the company's senior vice president and chief marketing officer, was effective Friday. Thompson declined further comment.

In a memo distributed to employees, Caesars Chief Executive Officer Gary Loveman praised Norton for his contributions to the company, only saying he was stepping down to pursue "other interests."

"Caesars would not be the company it is today" without Norton's "profound contributions," Loveman wrote in his memo.

Norton played a significant role in developing Total Rewards, a rewards program that gave credits to customers that could be redeemed for meals, show tickets, even hotel rooms.

Norton joined Caesars, then Harrah's Entertainment Inc., in October 1998. He had previously worked in the credit card industry with American Express, Household International and MBNA.

Contact reporter Chris Sieroty at csieroty@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893.