President resigns months after casino opening
The president of the Encore Boston Harbor Casino, Robert DeSalvio, is stepping down less than four months after the casino’s opening.
The announcement of his resignation was made by Wynn Resorts, with the company already having a replacement for the position. Brian Gullbrants, a Wynn Resorts employee for the last eight years, will be taking over as president of the $2.5bn casino In Massachusetts. He was formerly overseeing the operations of the hotel’s beverage and food facilities.
No explanation for DeSalvio’s sudden departure
Wynn Resorts did not give a reason for the sudden resignation of DeSalvio. In a statement, it noted his “remarkable” ability in dealing with local and state officials as well as leaders of the local community, which was pivotal at a time when the casino was under development.
According to Wynn officials, it was his own choice to step down
Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox said: “His unique talent to both manage a complicated construction process while listening to the needs of key stakeholders was essential to our success.”
DeSalvio did not issue a statement about his departure. According to Wynn officials, it was his own choice to step down after having led the Encore development project for five years.
Two further appointments
The Wynn Resorts announcement also spoke of a couple of further appointments.
Eric Krauss is set to be the new Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, with Jenny Holaday becoming the new Executive Vice President of Operations.
These two appointments will need to get approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Recent disappointing results for the casino
The news that DeSalvio is resigning from his role of president of the Massachusetts casino came only one day after the release of the casino’s monthly revenue result for September.
The Encore Boston Harbor Casino registered its first decline in monthly gaming revenue since opening. Overall table game and slots revenues were also down for the month.
Encore Boston Harbor Casino registered its first decline in monthly gaming revenue since opening
Gaming revenue at the Encore casino was $49m in September, down from the $52.5m figure reached in August.
Wynn Resorts in the news
It has been a busy week for Wynn Resorts. The Nevada Gaming Control Board issued a five-count complaint against the founder and former CEO of Wynn Resorts, Steve Wynn, in relation to sexual misconduct allegations.
Legal action involving the Mohegan Sun casino company and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is also ongoing. The case relates to the awarding of a casino license to Wynn Resorts for the operation of the Encore Boston Harbor.