New gaming analyst hired at Susquehanna
Susquehanna Financial Group hired a new gaming industry analyst on the same day it fired its former analyst.
The Wall Street firm named Rachael Rothman to cover the restaurant, gaming, lodging and leisure industries last Friday. Rothman had held a similar role with Wedbush Morgan Securities for less than a year. Before joining Wedbrush, Rothman had been an analyst for seven years at Merrill Lynch.
The move came within hours after Susquehanna released a research note saying it was discontinuing coverage of the gaming, lodging and leisure sectors “due to the departure of the analyst from the firm.” Robert LaFleur was let go by Susquehanna on Friday afternoon.
"Differentiated research is central to our value proposition and our ability to provide integrated client solutions," Cory Carlesimo, head of cash equities for Susquehanna said in a statement announcing Rothman’s hiring.
LaFleur followed 17 gaming and lodging companies, including the major casino operators and slot machine manufacturers. It’s unclear how many gaming companies Rothman will follow.
Rothman will be the senior publishing analyst for Susquehanna’s five-person team.
