18 Linda Chen
VICE CHAIRMAN, COO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Wynn Macau
POWER SCORE: 1,249
POSITION LAST YEAR: 34
CLAIMS TO FAME
Go-to person for marketing and strategic development of Wynn Macau since inception
Native Chinese with deep experience in international marketing
If there is one positive to come from Steve Wynn’s shocking fall from grace in early 2018, it is that the power base at Wynn Resorts’ Asian subsidiary, Wynn Macau, has been localized. And so while Matt Maddox has been tasked with the not so simple task of steadying the ship in Las Vegas, it has largely been a case of business as usual in Macau where the experience of Linda Chen and team is now very much at the forefront. Chen has long been a vital cog in the Wynn Macau machine, having run the marketing and strategic development for Wynn Macau for well over a decade. Her background speaks volumes for her unique ability within the VIP space – a trait attributed to the special rapport with Chinese players. That background includes being part of opening teams of three major resorts – The Mirage in 1989, MGM Grand in 1993 and Bellagio in 1998 – that helped define the Las Vegas Strip as we know it. She served as Executive Vice President of International Marketing for Bellagio and went on to serve as Executive Vice President of International Marketing for all of MGM Mirage (now MGM Resorts International). She rejoined Mr Wynn in 2002 and came to Macau when Wynn Resorts won its casino concession that year, overseeing operations ever since.
Despite talk of an impending slowdown, Wynn continues to perform strongly in the VIP segment, with Wynn Palace booking a 13.4% increase in VIP turnover to US$15.53 billion in 3Q18 and Wynn Macau a 4.4% increase to US$13.97 billion.
For the full list of 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
