American casino operator, MGM Resorts International, has announced that it has named long-time company executive Bill Hornbuckle (pictured) to serve as its latest official President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Las Vegas-headquartered firm used a Wednesday press release to state that Hornbuckle temporarily replaced the its outgoing boss, James Murren, in March but has now had the ‘acting’ tag removed from his formal job title.

Executive experience:

It was explained that Hornbuckle joined its ranks in 1998 following stints with Mirage Resorts and Caesars Entertainment Corporation to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer for its MGM Grand Las Vegas property. It was also detailed that the 62-year-old later went on to fill a similar role at its Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas venue ahead of serving a three-year term from 2009 as its Chief Marketing Officer.

The casino operator pronounced that that the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) graduate was subsequently put in charge of its efforts in the United Kingdom before being named as its Chief Operating Officer where he led all domestic and international construction and development endeavors including its $800 million MGM Springfield project.

Commanding contender:

Paul Salem, the veteran investment banker who took over from Murren in March as Chairman for MGM Resorts International, asserted that his team had conducted ‘a thorough national search’ for a new boss but in the end determined that Hornbuckle was ‘the best candidate’ to assist in leading the Nevada firm ‘through these immensely challenging times and into a more promising future’.

Salem’s statement read…

“There are few tests of leadership greater than what Bill has faced. His seasoned global experience, depth of knowledge and steady hand have provided reassurance and confidence to our employees, partners, guests and shareholders during one of the most difficult periods in the history of our company. He has fully earned the opportunity before him.”

Challenging commission:

For his part and Hornbuckle proclaimed that he is ‘honored’ to have been given the task of leading MGM Resorts International as it attempts to emerge from a downturn in business caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The new full-time boss additionally declared that he is ‘especially mindful’ of the company’s employees and their dedication to providing guests from around the world with the chance ‘to experience moments of happiness and hospitality amid uncertain times’.

Read a statement from Hornbuckle…

“While we will continue to operate in this new normal for the near term, fundamentally I am incredibly optimistic about the future of our company and our industry.?We will remain focused on taking care of our guests and each other as we look toward our best days ahead.”