Resorts World Las Vegas Appoints New CEO and Board – Yurika.R

Resorts World Las Vegas LLC has announced significant leadership changes with the establishment of a new Board of Directors and the appointment of Alex Dixon as Chief Executive Officer. Industry veteran Jim Murren will serve as the board’s Chairman. These changes are part of a broader strategy to solidify Resorts World Las Vegas as a leading luxury and entertainment destination.

The new leadership team brings a combined 130 years of gaming industry experience, aiming to enhance governance and steer the property toward achieving its long-term goals. The Board officially assumed its roles on December 4, 2024, while Dixon will step into his CEO position starting January 16, 2025.

Kok Thay Lim, Chairman and CEO of Genting Berhad, expressed confidence in the appointments, announcing as follows:

“With over 40 years of collective experience in the global gaming and hospitality industry, we are confident that Alex and Jim, alongside the Board, will help drive the Company forward in pursuing our strategic goals for years to come.”

A Strong Leadership Team for Strategic Growth

Jim Murren brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Chairman or Resorts World Las Vegas, drawing from his tenure as CEO and Chairman of MGM Resorts, where he oversaw significant growth and expansion. His current leadership roles include positions with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Cirque du Soleil, and the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the UAE.

Dixon, a Las Vegas native, comes to Resorts World with over 20 years of experience spanning gaming, hospitality, real estate, and finance. His previous roles include CEO at Q Casino & Resort and positions at MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. Known for reinvigorating legacy brands and fostering team development, Dixon is poised to bring clarity and innovation to the company.

Murren shared his enthusiasm for the future of Resorts World, stating:

“The Board and I are excited to continue building on the strong foundation set by the Executive Leadership Team and driving continued growth and innovation to benefit all of RWLV’s key stakeholders.”

The newly formed Board of Directors features a diverse mix of independent and non-independent members:

• G. Burnett: Former Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, now a partner at McDonald Carano.
• Michelle DiTondo: A seasoned HR leader with experience at MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and American Express.
• Kong Han Tan: President and COO of Genting Berhad, with a background in investment banking and executive leadership.

Facing Challenges Amid Industry Scrutiny

The leadership changes come at a critical time for Resorts World, as the company faces a 12-count complaint from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Allegations include welcoming individuals with ties to illegal bookmaking and organized crime, which the NGCB claims reflect an “overall lack of control.”

Former Resorts World President Scott Sibella, who was dismissed in 2023, is among those implicated in the ongoing investigation. Sibella’s past violations at MGM Grand, including anti-money laundering compliance failures, continue to draw scrutiny, as does his connection to Jim Murren, who was CEO of MGM Resorts during that period.

Despite these challenges, Dixon expressed optimism for the company’s future:

“We have a bright future ahead of us, and I look forward to supporting and collaborating with Resorts World Las Vegas’ leadership alongside the Board to continue showcasing the best the Strip has to offer.”

Soruce: 

“Resorts World Las Vegas Establishes Board of Directors with Jim Murren as Chairman, Appoints Alex Dixon as Chief Executive Officer”, prnewswire.com, December 5, 2024.