Former MGM chief Jim Murren named chairman of newly formed Resorts World Las Vegas board of directors

Resorts World Las Vegas has announced the establishment of a Board of Directors, with former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren taking the helm as Chairman. The company also revealed that Alex Dixon, a Las Vegas native with extensive experience in gaming and hospitality, will step in as Chief Executive Officer on January 16, 2025.  

The formation of the Board and Dixon’s appointment take place as the embattled Las Vegas Strip casino grapples with legal woes, amid serious allegations from Nevada gaming regulators of allowing illicit gambling activities and anti-money laundering failures.

The allegations were raised in a 12-count disciplinary complaint filed in August by the Gaming Control Board that charged the company with allowing known illegal bookmakers to gamble millions of dollars on its casino floor for more than a year. 

In addition to facing a multimillion-dollar fine for facilitating illegal gambling, the shakeup comes after the casino hotel posted its worst financial quarter in three years, with third-quarter revenue down 46.3% to $117 million compared to the $218 million in the previous quarter. 

“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,” said Kok Thay Lim, Chairman and CEO of Genting Berhad, Resorts World’s parent company.  

Murren, an industry veteran, brings decades of expertise to his role as Chairman. The new top executive will work with a recently formed oversight committee in an effort to turn the struggling property around.

During his tenure as CEO and Chairman of MGM Resorts, he spearheaded major expansions at the leading operator. Murren currently holds leadership roles with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Cirque du Soleil, and Playstudios and serves on Howard University’s Board of Trustees.

Dixon, who most recently served as CEO of Q Casino & Resort, brings over 20 years of experience across gaming, hospitality, real estate, and financial services. His background includes leadership positions at MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corp., and Goldman Sachs.  

“Resorts World Las Vegas has transformed the Vegas Strip with its unceasing focus on providing the ultimate guest experience,” Murren said. “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 established Board includes four members from varied professional backgrounds:  

• A.G. Burnett (Independent): Former Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and a current Partner at McDonald Carano’s Gaming & Administrative Law Group.  
• Michelle DiTondo (Independent): A veteran HR strategist with leadership experience at MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and American Express.  
• Kong Han Tan (Non-independent): President, COO, and Executive Director of Genting Berhad, with a background in investment banking and management.  

Dixon said: “We have a bright future ahead of us. With an incredible team and the guidance of this experienced Board, we are well-positioned to showcase the best the Strip has to offer.”