Cliff Atkinson to lead Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as new property President

Seasoned hospitality industry executive Cliff Atkinson is set to take over as the president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The resort casino announced the appointment Wednesday, and Atkinson will officially assume his role next Monday.

Atkinson supplants Richard Bosworth of ownership group JC Hospitality as the property's top official. Bosworth stepped down on March 31, having steered the hotel’s re-branding to Virgin Hotel from Hard Rock Hotel in March 2021.

Having held executive positions at established Strip resorts and the under-development Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Atkinson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

His background includes serving as a high-ranking executive at Mandarin Oriental (now Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas) and Luxor, along with playing a leading role in several high-profile hotels across the country.

He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying: "I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the incredible team at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The iconic off-Strip property is a legendary resort with a rich history and bright future, and I look forward to working with the team to help realize Virgin Hotels Las Vegas' full potential."

The re-branded and re-imagined Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is seeking to capitalize on its updates. Atkinson's appointment is seen as a crucial step as part of that transformation, which is not yet over.

The hotel's ownership officials spoke highly of Atkinson's qualifications and leadership skills, stating: "It was important to our board to find a leader that possessed not only the knowledge and experience required to drive results at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, but also the reputation and personality needed to lead and inspire the amazing team that exists on the property."

"Cliff is that type of leader, and we're excited to support him as he leads the charge to realize the tremendous potential of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas."

One of the ideas currently under consideration is the return of the Center Bar, a legendary hangout spot at the heart of the resort. The bar was re-conceived during the later years of the Hard Rock Hotel but was dismantled entirely during the hotel's renovation.