Kevin Glass takes helm as new Palms General Manager

The Palms hotel-casino has appointed Kevin Glass as its new general manager, the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority announced Monday.

Glass, 48, steps into the role after serving as assistant general manager since March. He previously spent more than three years as vice president of hospitality at the property. In 2023, the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association recognized him as “Hotelier of the Year.”

“My top priorities will be to continue to strengthen the service culture, building upon our talented staff that we have here, and (adding) new ways to surprise and delight our guests,” Glass said Monday. “We’re always looking at ways to make the guest experience better.”

His appointment comes three months after the departure of former general manager Stephen Thayer, who held the position for less than a year.

Glass brings more than two decades of experience in Las Vegas hospitality. Before joining the Palms, he spent nearly six years as general manager of the Downtown Grand hotel-casino. His career also includes management positions at Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, The Cosmopolitan, SLS Las Vegas (now Sahara), and Monte Carlo (now Park MGM).

As general manager, Glass will oversee operations at both the Palms and Palms Place. The properties are owned and managed by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, which represents the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation. The tribe purchased the Palms from Red Rock Resorts in 2021 for $650 million.

“As much experience as Kevin brings, equally as important is that he brings heart to this role,” said SMGHA Chairperson Latisha Prieto in a statement. “Kevin has been with us since day one of our journey to becoming owners of Palms. His devotion to the team, guest experience and our tribal culture makes him the ideal leader for Palms and Palms Place.”

Glass has a long history with the property, dating back to its 2001 opening. Reflecting on his new role, he said he was honored to lead “a property that has been such an important part of my career and my journey,” adding, “I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication of our team, and I look forward to leading with that same spirit.”

The Palms is one of two tribal-owned casinos in Las Vegas. It is currently the only one in operation, as the Seminole Tribe of Florida prepares to relaunch the former Mirage in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas, which will feature the under-construction Guitar Hotel.