Resorts World Las Vegas, a major casino resort on the Strip, is once again undergoing leadership changes that signal the company’s ongoing evolution. On Thursday, it was announced that Alex Dixon, who took on the role of CEO in January 2025, will transition into a senior advisor position with the company’s board of directors. Dixon’s departure from the top leadership position is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at steering the resort towards new growth opportunities.

Leadership transition and strategic vision for the future:

Carlos Castro, who joined the resort in February 2025 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will now take on the role of President and CEO. According to Resorts World, this shift marks a significant step forward for the resort as it aims to recover from a challenging period and capitalize on upcoming growth prospects.

In a statement released alongside the leadership changes, Resorts World expressed confidence in the smooth transition, highlighting Castro’s ongoing contributions to the company. “Carlos has already been making major contributions to the property, attracting top area talent in the areas of compliance, international marketing, and food and beverage,” the company noted. Castro’s leadership experience, especially in hospitality finance and operations, positions him as a key figure to lead the company into its next phase of growth.

For his part, Dixon will continue to play a role in the company’s strategic direction as he shifts into the advisory role. Resorts World’s announcement noted that Dixon will focus on enterprise projects, forge new partnerships, and contribute to building synergies across the property’s various locations.

“Resorts World Las Vegas leadership knows our best days are around the corner, and this is the next phase in our evolution,” said the company in a social media post announcing the leadership changes.

Recovery and focus on key business areas:

This announcement comes amid a challenging period for Resorts World Las Vegas. The resort recently faced regulatory issues, including a $10.5 million fine for allowing individuals connected to illegal bookmaking activities to gamble on the premises. This fine was the second-largest in Nevada’s history, following a similar penalty for another casino property in the state. Despite these setbacks, the resort is focused on recovery and expects to see business improvement in the coming months.

Castro, during a recent appearance before the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB), addressed the resort’s challenges, acknowledging that Resorts World has seen a decline in its casino operations over the past three quarters. He specifically noted a drop in the slot business, a critical revenue stream for the property. However, he expressed optimism about the recovery timeline, stating, “We do see recovery coming in 12 to 18 months as that business ramps up and we become more diligent in our marketing and sales efforts. We’re confident that business will return.”

As part of its recovery strategy, Resorts World has made several additional executive hires. Josef Wagner, an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience in hospitality and food and beverage operations, will join the company as the senior vice president of food and beverage and hospitality development. Wagner previously worked for MGM Resorts at Bellagio, where he helped lead the company’s food and beverage program.

“Having worked as a restaurant executive for iconic properties across Las Vegas, I am excited to take on this new role at Resorts World and help elevate the property’s offerings to new heights,” Wagner said in a release announcing his new position.

Additionally, the company is working on overhauling its retail operations, with new executives being brought in to revamp leases and streamline retail outlets. “We’re focused on looking for cost efficiencies, and the team has done an excellent job targeting areas with inefficient opportunities,” Castro added, according to Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Optimism for non-gaming revenue:

While the casino side of the business is in recovery, Resorts World’s non-gaming operations have been more resilient. Hotel occupancy rates, average daily rates, and convention business remain strong. The resort boasts 200,000 square feet of convention space, and Castro emphasized that catering for meetings is also profitable.

“We’re doing fantastic with our convention business,” Castro remarked, highlighting how this segment continues to drive success for Resorts World amidst the challenges faced by its casino operations.