Casino operator Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. said Thursday that President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Hinkley resigned.

Hinkley, 50, will remain with the company until a successor is named.

Bernard Goldstein, the Isle’s chairman and chief executive officer, said he was “saddened’ by Hinkley’s decision. The company, which moved its corporate headquarters to St. Louis from Biloxi, Miss., last year, will begin a search for his replacement.

Hinkley has a long history with the company, having started out at one of its river casinos before coming to Biloxi.

“We are tremendously grateful for Tim’s visionary leadership and unparalleled contribution to our growth over the past 17 years,” Goldstein said in a statement. “Tim has successfully led our company through a period of significant evolution and development, fostering our unique culture and spearheading the next generation of the Isle brand.

“Tim did an unbelievable job leading the company through the hurricanes of 2005 and reopening our properties in record time. He brought hope and encouragement to everyone affected by the storms.”

The Isle of Capri operates 13 casinos in Mississippi and in 10 other locations.

It will open a slots casino at its Pompano Park Harness Racing Track in Florida. The Isle also has ownership interests in casinos in England and the Bahamas.