Alex Dixon, CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas, assumes new position
Las Vegas’ Resorts World Shakes up Leadership
Buckle up, Vegas! Resorts World Las Vegas has announced some major changes in their top brass. As of Thursday, CEO Alex Dixon is stepping down to take on a new role as Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors. Stepping into the president and CFO spot is none other than the seasoned industry vet, Carlos Castro.
Dixon, who took the reins in January, will now be spearheading enterprise projects and forging strategic partnerships, said the company. According to Resorts World, this transition will be a smooth one with Castro, an established hospitality leader, taking over as president and CFO.
Speaking of the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday, Castro emphasized that Resorts World's top priority is compliance while assuring regulators that their casino business is on the mend. You might recall that last month, the company was hammered with a $10.5 million fine by the Nevada Gaming Commission for permitting gambling by those with ties to illegal bookmaking at the Strip property[2].
Now, Castro claims Resorts World has taken a hit over the past three quarters and is gearing up to rebuild that business, with a primary focus on boosting slots, which have taken a significant dive. New blood will be joining the fray, as a senior vice president of slot operations starts June 1[2].
Despite the setbacks, Castro remains optimistic, projecting a recovery within 12-18 months as they up their marketing and sales efforts[2]. Hotel occupancy, average daily rates, and segmentation are reportedly doing quite well, and the convention business is booming[3]. Resorts World boasts around 200,000 square feet of convention space, and catering for meetings is profitably lucrative.
The food and beverage sector shows promise but holds plenty of room for expansion, prompting a leadership change. Josef Wagner, previously with MGM Resorts at Bellagio, steps in as senior vice president of food and beverage[3].
Retail operations are getting a complete overhaul, with fresh talent on board to breathe new life into leases and their own retail outlets. Cost efficiencies will also be targeted to cut waste and bolster profits[3].
Carlos Castro, a veteran executive with stints at AIA Resort & Casino, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment, among others[4][5], has been a key figure at Resorts World since February 2025, first as COO and CFO[4][5]. In his new role, Castro will oversee strategy, operations, and the organization's evolution, fostering Resorts World's growth and setting its direction[1][2][5].
[1] Resorts World Las Vegas Press Release[2] Las Vegas Review-Journal[3] Talking Stocks podcast[4] AIA Resort & Casino News archive[5] Caesars Entertainment Executive Profiles
- Carlos Castro, stepping into the president and CFO role at Resorts World Las Vegas, underlines the company's priority on compliance with regulators to ease concerns about the recent $10.5 million fine for illegal gambling activities.
- In his new role, Carlos Castro is aiming to rebuild the business, focusing on boosting slots, which have seen a significant decline, and anticipates recovery within 12-18 months with increased marketing and sales efforts.
- Resorts World is also planning to focus on cost efficiencies in retail operations, with fresh leadership to revitalize its leases and retail outlets, thus cutting waste and bolstering profits.
- New talent will join the fray as a senior vice president of slot operations starts on June 1, with the target of improving the casino's slot business.
- Furthermore, Resorts World has invited Josef Wagner, formerly of MGM Resorts at Bellagio, who will now serve as the senior vice president of food and beverage to expand the food and beverage sector with strategic updates.
