Resorts World Las Vegas names former Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval as board chairman

Resorts World Las Vegas has appointed former Nevada governor Brian Sandoval as chairman of its board of directors. 

The resort also announced that Jim Murren, former MGM Resorts International chief and current interim CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, will transition to chairman emeritus of the not-yet-one-year-old board, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Sandoval, currently president of the University of Nevada, Reno, brings an extensive regulatory and legal background to the role. In addition to governor, his career includes serving as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, Nevada attorney general, and a U.S. District Court judge.

The $4.3 billion megaresort and its parent company, Genting Berhad, established the board late last year ahead of resolving a major regulatory case in March. The settlement resulted in a $10.5 million fine — the second-largest in Nevada gaming history — and required strengthened anti-money laundering compliance measures.

Since the settlement, the property has seen multiple leadership adjustments. CEO Alex Dixon, who spent less than five months in the position, moved into a senior adviser role with the board. Carlos Castro, who arrived shortly after Dixon as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, has been elevated to property president.

Both Dixon and Castro previously held positions with MGM Resorts International.