Rajat is an accomplished general counsel, corporate development and governmental affairs senior executive whose experience goes far beyond the law. Across his career, Rajat has led and significantly influenced the strategic direction of several large organizations, including the Delaware North Companies, an international gaming and hospitality conglomerate operating on four continents, and Seneca Gaming Corporation, which operates three resort casinos in New York. At Harris Beach, Rajat advises clients on matters relating to finance, corporate, real estate and governmental affairs, as well as crisis management.
Prior to joining Harris Beach, Rajat was CEO and founder of a multi-state corporation that helped manage celebrity-branded restaurants and retail operations and also advised on operational improvements and acquisitions in the gaming industry. At Delaware North, Rajat served in the Office of CEO as an executive vice president, general counsel, chief compliance officer, corporate secretary and head of corporate development and external affairs. During his tenure, Rajat helped materially grow the revenue of Delaware North through organic and inorganic growth, including the development or acquisition of Miami Valley Gaming, Patina Restaurant Group, GEM Gaming and Entertainment and Ruby 7 Studios. He also served as senior vice president of corporate development and general counsel for Seneca Gaming, as the organization grew from a single temporary casino to three permanent facilities in Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Salamanca, New York.
Prior to becoming a senior corporate executive, Rajat practiced law at two of the world’s largest law firms – Akin Gump (Washington D.C. office) and Pillsbury (New York City office). During his time with Akin Gump and Pillsbury, Rajat negotiated terms for more than $3.5 billion in domestic and international bond offerings and credit facilities, negotiated domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, advised public companies pre- and post-Chapter 11 and counseled public companies on corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance.