Cliff Atkinson steps down as President of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Lia Rispoli to take over

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has confirmed that President Cliff Atkinson has left the company.

Atkinson, who joined the property in 2023, is no longer with the company, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. The resort did not provide a reason for his departure.

“We thank Cliff for his contributions and leadership and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” the property said in a statement Tuesday.

COO Lia Rispoli will assume the role of president in addition to her current duties. Rispoli has worked in leadership roles at the property since 2011. “Lia has extensive experience in Las Vegas and has been a key leader in the property’s operations since 2011,” the casino said. “Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ ownership and executive team are confident in Lia’s leadership and the property’s ability to continue to provide exceptional guest experiences.”

Atkinson’s exit comes after Nevada gaming regulators in December 2024 licensed C&C 4455—a joint venture between Atkinson and longtime Virgin CFO Chad Konrad—to operate the casino following the end of its agreement with Mohegan Gaming. It remains unclear whether Atkinson will continue in his role as CEO of C&C 4455 or remain involved in casino operations at the resort. 

Before joining Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Atkinson served as president of Fontainebleau ahead of the North Strip resort’s opening in December 2023. His career also includes leadership roles as president and COO of Luxor and as a senior vice president with MGM Resorts International.