Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has stepped down as MGM Resorts President of Global Gaming Development just 15 months after he was appointed to drive MGM’s Japan expansion efforts.
Sandoval, who served as Governor for eight years from 2011 to 2019, is aiming to take up a position instead as President of the University of Nevada in Reno.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and privilege to have worked at MGM with Jim Murren and Bill Hornbuckle, two of the giants in the gaming industry, and the amazing MGM family,” Sandoval said. “Having accomplished my goals at MGM, I have decided to put my time, energy and public and private experience to work as an applicant to become the next president of the University of Nevada, Reno.
“I am thankful for the experiences I had, and the people I got to know, while at MGM and wish everyone good health and safety during these challenging times.”
Sandoval is the second senior departure from MGM in as many weeks following the sudden exit of Chairman and CEO Jim Murren.
He has, however, left MGM in a strong position to fulfil its dream of developing an integrated resort in Osaka. As previously reported by Inside Asian Gaming, MGM Resorts Japan and its local partner Orix were the only consortium to submit an application to bid as part of Osaka’s RFP process.