Fontainebleau Development‘s Fontainebleau Las Vegas announced it has appointed Cliff Atkinson as President, who has already assumed leadership of the property as it continues to build its in-house team. He will continue to execute the strategy laid out by Fontainebleau Development as the resort is readied for its global debut on the Las Vegas Strip in Q4, 2023.
Atkinson comes to Fontainebleau Las Vegas having established himself in the Strip’s executive leadership. Most recently, he served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WE Advisory Group, providing direction on business development strategies, revenue management services, operations, turnarounds, and new building development. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Atkinson served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Luxor Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, where, among other accomplishments, he executed a robust engagement strategy to increase employee communication and satisfaction among the property’s 3,300 team members.
Atkinson has also served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Strategy for MGM Resorts International, and in General Manager roles for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Las Vegas and San Francisco, as well as New York’s Gramercy Park Hotel.
Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer expressed in a press release: “When we set out to identify a visionary leader for our next-generation luxury resort, Cliff’s knowledge and relevant hands-on approach and experience, coupled with the perspective gained from nearly 30 years in hospitality, made him the unequivocal choice for Fontainebleau Las Vegas. With Cliff guiding our team, we move forward with even greater confidence and trust in our vision for the future of the Fontainebleau brand and Las Vegas.”
President of Fontainebleau Development Brett Mufson added: “So much of Cliff’s success is rooted in his ability to build human capital and company cultures through a combination of business acumen, empathy, confidence, and natural charisma. Those genuine qualities and his achievements align perfectly with the Fontainebleau brand, our culture, and commitment to first class service and memorable experiences for our guests.”
Atkinson also spoke about his appointment and said: “What the Fontainebleau brand has achieved in its 50-year history is unrivaled in this industry, and now I have the opportunity to merge the team’s vision with my background in luxury, lifestyle, and service, as we look to reshape the hospitality and gaming experience on the Strip. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is, without question, the beacon of change for the future of Las Vegas. I feel as if my entire career has prepared me for this role. It’s a tremendous honor to lead Fontainebleau Las Vegas and bring the property to life.”
In November, current developers Fontainebleau Development and partners Koch Real Estate Investments held a commencement ceremony for the former Drew Las Vegas with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and other state officials. Construction for the 67-story vertically integrated luxury resort and casino, is already underway in an effort to bring full circle to the project, which has been more than a decade in the making.
