Penn National Gaming, Inc. CEO Tim Wilmott has been elected by the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Board of Directors as its next Chairman. According to the announcement by the AGA on November 9th, Wilmott, who succeeds outgoing AGA Chair Jim Murren, will reportedly serve a two-year term to begin January 2018. Murren, who is the Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, has led the board of the casino industry group since 2014.

Wilmott is not new to the AGA, having been an active member of the group’s leadership since 2015 as Director of the Board, Executive Committee member and Finance and Investment Committee Chair.

The exiting Murren said, “I’m immensely proud of the progress we have made in establishing our industry as mainstream entertainment, a source of strong jobs and as a crucial economic engine of the U.S. economy,” according to the press release. He also had the following to say about his replacement, “Tim is a chief executive of the highest caliber and has been an engaged and invaluable member of the AGA Board and Executive Committee and a strong partner to me personally. He has contributed greatly to our past successes and has my full support as he leads us into the future.”

From 1987 to 2008, Wilmott served as Chief Operating Officer at Harrah’s Entertainment. He joined Penn National Gaming in February 2008, where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer until November 2013, when he was named Chief Executive Officer.

“I am excited to continue working with Geoff and the AGA team to advance issues critical to the gaming industry’s success,” Wilmott said. “I certainly have big shoes to fill following Jim’s tenure as Chairman, but I look forward to continuing the momentum that he initiated.”

AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman said, “I am indebted to Jim for his tremendous leadership over two consecutive terms as our Chairman.” He went on to say, “Throughout, he has been committed to modernizing the Association and has led an era marked by significant progress on important matters of policy and building stronger relationships in Washington and with key stakeholders across a variety of industries.”

“We are fortunate to have Tim as our next Chairman,” Freeman continued. “His passion for our industry, shared vision and deep involvement on a number of critical issues assures a smooth and successful transition into the future. Tim will be instrumental in driving the implementation of our 2020 Strategic Plan and I know I speak for our team, and the entire industry, when I say we look forward to working together.”