American casino giant MGM Resorts International has announced that experienced cruise ship executive Jan Swartz (pictured) has been appointed to its twelve-member board of directors and will now work to help it secure one of the first casino licenses in Japan following the upcoming ratification of the nation’s Integrated Resort Implementation Bill.

MGM Resorts International revealed that Swartz is Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia President for American cruise ship operator Carnival Corporation and was instrumental in creating that firm’s Tokyo-based Carnival Japan marketing unit alongside its China-facing Majestic Princess brand.

Las Vegas-headquartered MGM Resorts International explained that Swartz began her professional career in 1992 with global management consultancy Bain and Company Incorporated before a two-year stint from 1999 serving as Chief Executive Officer for interactive entertainments firm MXG Media. It stated that she joined Carnival Corporation in 2001 and has previously held a variety of important roles at the world’s largest travel leisure company including Princess Cruises Customer Service, Sales and Marketing Executive Vice-President.

Jim Murren, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for MGM Resorts International, declared that Harvard-educated Swartz has ‘vast experience’ in areas as diverse as marketing, sales and international expansion that is due to add ‘important insights’ to the his firm’s ‘business priorities’.

“Jan has also been instrumental in developing Carnival Corporation’s innovative digital tools and enhanced guest experiences,” read a Wednesday statement (pdf) from Murren. “We are very pleased to welcome Jan to the MGM Resorts International board.”