Las Vegas-based developer and operator of high-end hotels and casinos, Wynn Resorts Ltd. (NASDAQ: WYNN), has named Erik Hansen (pictured) its first Chief Sustainability Officer. The newly created position will see Hansen charged with developing the company’s energy procurement goals and global sustainability strategy.

Having served as the company’s Director of Procurement since 2016, Hansen is responsible for facilitating several extensive sustainability and renewable energy projects resulting in Wynn Resorts becoming a leader in environmental stewardship. Hansen’s most notable endeavors have been the negotiation, construction and opening of the Wynn Solar Facility, a standalone solar photovoltaic project located on 160 acres in Fallon, Nevada; management of the company’s move to the open energy market; and the development of an energy supply plan that melds the first micro grid for implementation at one of the resorts situated at the Encore Boston Harbor property in Everett, Massachusetts.

Currently a member of the Nevada Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice, Hansen has more than a quarter of a century of experience. According to the press release, his career began in the energy industry, having spent more than a decade in various veins including transmission policy and contracts, power trading, project leadership and business development. Prior to joining Wynn Resorts Ltd., he held the position of Vice President for EnergySource, representing a wide range of Nevada’s biggest energy customers spanning the gaming, mining, utilities, data centers and technology industries.

EVP and General Counsel for Wynn Resorts Ltd., Kim Sinatra, said, “Erik has proven to be a visionary as we continue to deepen our company’s sustainability strategy and make monumental moves towards taking control of our energy future.”

“His experience extends across all facets of environmental protection and government regulation, and his understanding of cutting-edge technologies will continue to shape our use of a new generation of renewable resources,” said Sinatra.

In other Wynn Resorts Ltd. news, company officials recently communicated to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that its $2.5 billion casino project situated on 33 acres on the Mystic River remains on target for a June 2019 opening.