Resorts World Las Vegas Thursday announced Jim Murren has transitioned to the role of chairman emeritus of the board of directors and former Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has assumed the role of chairman.
This news follows Murren’s appointment as interim chief executive officer of the United Arab Emirates’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
In December, Resorts World announced the formation of the board of directors led by Murren as chairman as part of a plan to deepen and strengthen its leadership. At the time, Resorts World said the formation bolstered the property’s governance structure to help drive the business strategy.
The members of the board assumed their roles on December 4.
Murren previously served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at MGM Resorts, where he led the company through a period of expansion and growth.
Sandoval was named to the board in February. In that announcement, the company said Sandoval’s “distinguished career in public service, coupled with his deep understanding of Nevada’s gaming landscape, will bring invaluable expertise” to the organization.
Sandoval joined Murren and directors A.G. Burnett, Michelle DiTondo, and Tan Kong Han on the board.
“The board and I recognize the unique position Resorts World Las Vegas holds at the north end of the Strip, a crown jewel of Vegas that is bursting with potential,” Murren said in February. “To fully capitalize on our vision, we need strong leaders to help us build and drive progress. Brian Sandoval brings the expertise and energy necessary to elevate the property to the next level.”
Sandoval served as Nevada’s 30th governor from 2011 to 2019, during which he focused on economic growth, education reform, and innovation in the state. Prior to his governorship, Sandoval held several prominent positions, including serving as a federal court judge, Attorney General of Nevada, and chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Resorts World said at the time that Sandoval’s tenure on the Gaming Commission gives him a unique perspective on the regulatory and operational aspects of the industry, insights that will be instrumental in his new role at Resorts World Las Vegas. Adding this enhanced governance expertise will pave the way for Resorts World Las Vegas to achieve its maximum potential, the casino noted.
“I am honored to join the Board at Resorts World Las Vegas and contribute to the strong foundation they have built,” Sandoval said at the time. “This organization has redefined hospitality on the Vegas Strip through its unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional guest experiences. I look forward to working with the team to drive continued success and innovation, ensuring unforgettable moments for all who visit.”
The $4.3 billion Resorts World Las Vegas opened in June 2021. For the second quarter, it reported $180 million in revenue, an 8% increase from the first quarter but down 18% from the second quarter of 2024. Resorts World Las Vegas owner Genting Berhad said the improvement in the second quarter over the first was due to recovery in the VIP segment. Hotel occupancy, meanwhile, fell from 89% in the second quarter of 2024 to 80% in the second quarter this year as overall Las Vegas visitation was down.