Maurice Wooden has been appointed as the president of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the recently opened five-star luxury resort and casino situated on the Las Vegas Strip. With a career spanning 36 years in the luxury hospitality sector, Wooden brings a wealth of experience to the north Strip property, which started welcoming guests in December.
Fontainebleau Development Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer said: “His well-established track record along with his unparalleled consistency and a deep knowledge of the hospitality and gaming industries instill an exceptional level of confidence in us as we continue the development and refinement of our Las Vegas property.”
“Maurice will be an excellent steward of our brand, its culture, and heritage; and we eagerly anticipate his leadership in driving the growth and development of Fontainebleau Las Vegas as we continue our focus on an excellent guest experience.”
Maurice Wooden has an extensive background in gaming and hospitality, having previously served as the Principal Executive Officer and President of Wynn Las Vegas. Additionally, he also held a position on the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors.
Wooden stated: “It is extraordinarily invigorating and a tremendous honor to take on the responsibility of leading an incredible team during this defining moment in Las Vegas. This role presents me with a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a world-class executive team to enhance our Las Vegas community and to contribute to the growth of the Fontainebleau brand for the future.”
“The rich history and cultural alignment with this iconic brand resonate with my own passions and I’m looking forward to building on the 70 years of incredible culture that Fontainebleau has established. Fontainebleau Development conceived this resort with a unique, independent vision that sets it apart from everything there is and anything there has ever been on the Strip.”
Wooden commenced his career at Wynn Las Vegas in 2005 as the Executive Vice President of Food and Beverage, later becoming the Chief Operating Officer and eventually assuming the role of Principal Executive Officer and President in 2013.
His leadership roles also include serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Vice President of Casino Marketing at The Mirage Hotel and Casino, and Vice President of Operations at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Following the recent leadership change at Fontainebleau, more executive adjustments are anticipated. Mark Tricano, who oversaw the resort’s opening and initial operations, will report to Wooden, reports Las Vegas Review-Journal. Tricano, appointed in June, has not left the company, and the reason for the leadership changes remains unspecified.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 67-story luxury resort, opened its doors on December 13, marking its presence on the Las Vegas Strip after overcoming challenges that halted its development during the Great Recession.
Wooden’s appointment comes amid several changes in the resort’s executive team. Since its opening, the chief operating officer, chief marketing officer, vice president of revenue management and senior vice president of casino operations have exited the property.
