In Connecticut and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has announced that it has appointed experienced American aboriginal casino industry figure John James (pictured) to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer for its giant Foxwoods Resort Casino.

August appointment:

The federally-recognized tribe used an official Tuesday press release to detail that Jones has over 25 years of industry experience and currently works as Chief Operating Officer for southern California’s Morongo Casino Resort and Spa. It explained that the Ohio native will be taking up his new role from August 12 and succeed Felix Rappaport, who unexpectedly died in June of last year at the age of 65.

Exceptionally experienced:

Rodney Butler, Chairman for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, used the press release to describe James as ‘uniquely positioned to lead’ the Connecticut venue’s journey to become ‘the premier entertainment destination in the Northeast’. He moreover proclaimed that the Cleveland-born executive possesses ‘expertise and vision’ across a number of key business areas that will assist Foxwoods Resort Casino in building on its ‘solid foundation’ while maximizing ‘the tremendous growth opportunities that lie ahead’.

Butler’s statement read…

“Over the past decade, Foxwoods Resort Casino transformed the traditional gaming model through a relentless pursuit of guest-first experiences resulting in the only true all-encompassing resort destination. With his proven track record for innovation, John is the right leader to continue that commitment to our guests, fulfill our vision and ignite our passion for delivering a resort that excites and surprises. John perfectly represents our team’s values and beliefs and we are ready to drive the future of Foxwoods Resort Casino together.”

Comprehensive career:

A graduate of the University of Nevada, James has additionally served as Chief Executive Officer for Arizona’s Gila River Gaming Enterprises Incorporated where he led efforts that saw the operator’s trio of tribal casinos post the state’s highest revenues. Before this, he held key executive roles with Seminole Gaming Incorporated and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians’ Pechanga Resort and Casino while furthermore serving as Vice-President and General Manager for various Las Vegas properties run by Station Casinos.

Incomparable anticipation:

For his part, James used the press release to declare that Foxwoods Resort Casino ‘is the premier destination in the Northeast and a pioneer in the tribal gaming community’ and he is now ‘thrilled’ to be able to join the Ledyard-based facility’s team.

Read the statement from James…

“Over the past 27 years, Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation have built a world-class resort casino with an unparalleled array of offerings for guests and I look forward to working with the entire team to continue fortifying Foxwoods Resort Casino’s position as one of North America’s premier resort destinations.”