Foxwoods CEO steps down eight months after appointment

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council has issued a statement announcing that John J. James resigned Tuesday as CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

Less than eight months after his naming as president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, John J. James resigned Tuesday, according to a release from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council.

The surprising announcement comes one month into the massive resort’s temporary closing due to the coronavirus pandemic and less than eight months after his appointment, NH Register reports.

James’ resignation is “effective immediately. John has left his position to spend more time with his family,” the release said.

Senior Vice President of Resort Operations at Foxwoods Jason Guyot will act as interim CEO while a search for James’ successor takes place, the release stated.

“The Tribal Council believes that together with our talented executive team, Foxwoods will continue to focus on managing through the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis and the re-opening of our facilities at an appropriate time in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of the members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, our Team Members and the public as a whole. We are currently focused on a strategic reopening plan which will take into consideration safe and social distancing guidelines.”

James replaced Felix Rappaport, who died suddenly of a heart condition in June 2018. Tribal council Chairman Rodney Butler served as interim CEO until the hiring of James last year.