In a move to further solidify its position on the Las Vegas Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas has appointed industry veterans Jim Murren as Chairman and Alex Dixon as CEO. This decision is part of a broader plan to enhance leadership and accelerate the resort’s growth, marking a significant evolution in the property’s governance.
The appointments come at a crucial time as the resort, which opened in June 2021, faces a significant financial and regulatory challenge. Resorts World Las Vegas, owned by Genting Berhad, has been under fire from state regulators following allegations of allowing illegal bookmakers to gamble at the property. These allegations are outlined in a formal complaint filed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) in August 2024, which seeks a potentially multimillion-dollar fine.
A new era of leadership for Resorts World Las Vegas:
On December 4, 2024, the new Board of Directors was officially formed, bringing with it a combined 130 years of experience in the gaming industry. Murren, a former CEO and Chairman of MGM Resorts has been appointed as Chairman of the Board. His wealth of experience is seen as an asset in steering Resorts World Las Vegas through its ongoing challenges and toward greater success.
Murren expressed his excitement about the changes, stating, “Resorts World Las Vegas has transformed the Vegas Strip with its unceasing focus on providing the ultimate guest experience.” He added that the board’s efforts would focus on building upon the strong foundation laid by the executive leadership team and continuing the resort’s growth trajectory.
Kok Thay Lim, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Genting Berhad, commented in the company’s press release: “As Resorts World Las Vegas continues to establish itself as the premier resort destination in Las Vegas, we are excited to welcome this group of industry leaders overseeing and guiding the Leadership Team to deliver unparalleled guest experiences while fostering our commitment to compliance. 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.”
Joining Murren on the board are A.G. Burnett, former Chairman of the NGCB and now a partner at McDonald Carano law firm, Michelle DiTondo, an expert in human resources and talent strategy in the gaming and hospitality industry, and Kong Han Tan. This team is set to provide diverse expertise in areas crucial to the resort’s ongoing development.
Alex Dixon, a Las Vegas native with over two decades of experience in global gaming, hospitality, and entertainment, will assume the CEO role on January 16, 2025. Dixon’s extensive background includes leadership positions at Q Casino & Resort and Dubuque Racing Association, as well as previous experience with major players like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.
Dixon’s appointment is expected to strengthen the resort’s management at a time when the company is pushing for greater operational efficiency and more consistent profitability. He noted, “We have a bright future ahead of us, and I look forward to supporting and collaborating with Resorts World Las Vegas’s leadership alongside the Board to continue showcasing the best the Strip has to offer.”
Facing challenges amid financial and regulatory scrutiny:
While the leadership change is expected to steer the resort toward greater success, the company still faces significant regulatory challenges. Resorts World Las Vegas is named in a formal disciplinary complaint filed by the NGCB, which includes allegations that illegal bookmakers were allowed to place millions of dollars in bets at the casino for over a year. This has led to the prospect of a heavy financial penalty.
The resort’s most recent financial quarter, which saw its worst performance in three years, further compounds these issues. Genting Berhad, the Malaysian parent company, has until December 9, 2024, to respond to the charges, adding an element of uncertainty to the property’s future operations.
Despite these challenges, Resorts World Las Vegas remains one of the most ambitious casino-resort projects on the Strip. Built on the site of the old Stardust Hotel and Casino, the property has undergone multiple phases of development since construction began in the mid-2000s. After the original Echelon project was shelved due to the Great Recession, Genting Berhad stepped in to acquire the land and reimagine the property as Resorts World, which opened its doors in 2021.
Resorts World Las Vegas boasts 3,500 hotel rooms and features multiple Hilton-branded hotels, thanks to a franchise agreement that integrates Hilton’s hospitality expertise and technology. The resort’s sprawling 88-acre campus includes a range of dining, entertainment, and gaming experiences, with a particular focus on delivering an upscale, modern experience that appeals to both leisure and business visitors.
