Alex Dixon
CEO / Resorts World Las Vegas, LLC.
In an exclusive interview with CEO North America Magazine, newly appointed CEO Alex Dixon highlights the reasons why people should bet on the bright future of Resorts World Las Vegas.
When Resorts World Las Vegas opened in June 2021, it became the first integrated resort built on the Las Vegas Strip in over a decade. Since then, it has positioned itself as the premier luxury destination for business and entertainment.
The resort, spanning more than 88 acres on the iconic Strip, resembles a city with 3,506 guest rooms and suites. It boasts a state-of-the-art gaming floor, over 50 world-class dining and beverage options, and a 5,000-seat theatre that hosts A-list residencies and corporate events.
Becoming Part of the Iconic Las Vegas Strip
The resort is situated on land that was originally home to The Stardust Resort and Casino, followed by the Echelon Palace, until The Genting Group acquired the property in 2013 in a $350 million deal.
The development was a significant achievement, taking four years to complete and costing a total of $4.3 billion. It is the most expensive resort property ever built in Las Vegas.
The property was designed to offer an “elevated experience” for which the Resorts World brand is recognized globally.
“We have a bright future ahead of us, and I look forward to supporting and collaborating with Resorts World Las Vegas’ leadership alongside the Board to continue showcasing the best the Strip has to offer.”
A Local Leader
Alex Dixon took over as CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas in January 2025 and joins a newly assembled team of recently hired board members, all of whom share a common trait—they are seasoned executives from Las Vegas. The executive team boasts an impressive 130 years of experience in the gaming industry.
The company’s leadership reshuffle signals the resort’s “evolution,” and the dynamic team, led by Dixon, is ready to invigorate the expanding business as they have a deep understanding of Vegas, its culture, and its clientele. “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the team,” Dixon says. The CEO looks forward to collectively “making a mark” on the property and its 40 acres of undeveloped land.
Genting Berhad Chairman, Thay Lim, says that the fresh faces on his team represent the future of the company, “We are excited to welcome this group of industry leaders overseeing and guiding the Leadership Team to deliver unparalleled guest experiences while fostering our commitment to compliance.”
Dixon, who grew up in Las Vegas and is a third-generation casino employee, has devoted his career to the resort and gaming industry. Before joining Resorts World Las Vegas, Dixon served as the CEO of Q Casino & Resort and the Dubuque Racing Association. He also held positions at MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corp. Regarding his role as CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas, Dixon says, “I pinch myself every day.”
“We have an incredible team of talented and committed employees throughout the organization and are confident we can achieve amazing things together.”
“For more than 50 years, the Marnell team has been designing and building Las Vegas. During that time, we have been very fortunate to work with some of the best companies and leaders which possess a passion for excellence. We look forward to working alongside Alex, as he strives to take “customer experiences” to the next level and lead Resorts World Las Vegas forward on the biggest entertainment stage in the world!”
David G. Howryla / President of Architecture Marnell Companies
Showcasing a World of Experiences
Resorts World Las Vegas offers premium services to its guests through a diverse range of innovative technologies. The resort’s smart inclusions, aimed at adding an extra layer of convenience to a stay, include RED, the resort’s digital concierge, available 24/7. The resort also allows guests to pay with cryptocurrency and is equipped for cashless wagering.
The property boasts 50 multi-functional, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, six ballrooms, and an expansive rooftop making it a welcoming venue for any social or corporate group, large or small. Guests come to Vegas for business but “stay to play,” as there is so much variety in entertainment within the hotel itself.
One of Dixon’s current goals is to reinvigorate the company’s core gaming business. Currently, guests can enjoy more than 117,000 square feet of casino space, 1,400 slot machines, 114 table games, a dedicated poker room, high-limit areas, and
a sportsbook.
Entertainment will also be the main driver in 2025, Dixon says, and his team is “taking it to the next level.” The resort hosts a wide variety of events, both corporate and entertainment in its 5,000-capacity theatre.
“Two words: Janet Jackson,” The CEO says. Carrie Underwood is also returning to her residency in Resorts World Las Vegas in 2025. “It’s simply amazing the acts that we have,” Dixon admits. “We have to continually make sure that we’re relevant and reaching our consumers where they are,” Dixon says.
“The CARMA Team deeply values its ongoing partnership with Resorts World Las Vegas, a collaborative relationship that began in 2020 and has flourished. A true partnership that is built on shared vision, innovation, and mutual respect. Collaborating with a brand that sets the standard for excellence in hospitality and entertainment has been both an honor and an inspiration.”
Chris rowe / managing partner / CARMA GROUP LLC
On top of its gaming and entertainment offerings, “we have the best spa, we have the best gym,” Dixon says. With its five unique pool concepts, Awana day spa, and shopping complex, Resorts World Las Vegas truly merits its all-in-one resort status.
Fresh Ideas and Food
With over 40 dining options, Resorts World Las Vegas has become a lead culinary destination on the Strip. The resort recently announced the upcoming opening of “Stubborn Seed,” a collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Ford, the winner of Top Chef season 13. Ford aims to take resort guests on a culinary journey with his tasting menu, which is filled with global flavors. “We’re very proud of all of our food and beverage offerings and there’s more to come,” Dixon says.
Dedicated to Sustainability
Resorts World Las Vegas is dedicated to generating positive environmental impacts throughout all of its operations, and it has the awards to prove it.
In October 2023, the resort announced it is powered by 100 percent renewable energy sources. It is also one of only seven others to achieve LEED Gold Certification in Nevada’s hospitality sector.
Overseeing Smooth Operations
Although the parent company behind Resorts World Las Vegas, Genting Berhad, is headquartered overseas, Dixon says he works closely alongside their “steady hand.” Dixon and his team make all the important decisions locally, ensuring the business is proudly operated in Vegas.
Resorts World Las Vegas ranks as the world’s 20th largest in occupancy. Due to its immense size, it takes a village to operate, employing around 5,000 individuals. As CEO, Dixon states that a key to his leadership success is knowing these front-line workers personally and being “approachable.”
“Chef Ford’s culinary artistry has earned a Michelin star and an impeccable reputation, and we are excited to welcome his one-of-a-kind dining experience to Resorts World Las Vegas. The introduction of Chef Ford, Stubborn Seed and Grove Bay Hospitality Group to the city aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering world-class dining to our guests”
Dixon is joined in running operations by another recent hire and Vegas veteran, Carlos Castro, who serves as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Castro, who came to the company in February, will lead the business through its financial strategy and long-term growth initiatives.
Pioneering Strong Partnerships
Dixon regards the resort’s partnership with Hilton as “one of our greatest assets.” The collaboration with Hilton allows accommodation to be divided into three hotels: Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World, with 1,678 rooms; Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, with 1,496 rooms; and Crockfords Las Vegas, with 332 rooms. Dixon explains that the diverse range of accommodation options provides a significant competitive advantage to the business.
“Everyone would like to have the super high-end business, but Resorts World Las Vegas has three different price points in order to talk to a broader swathe of the American public, as well as international customers,” he says. “The Conrad is where we want to lean into for the coming months and years.”
Dixon says, “We have an incredible team of talented and committed employees throughout the organization,” and for Resorts World Las Vegas, these partnerships are key to the company’s success. “We are working hard to activate this space and develop partnerships.”
Following the Numbers
In its most recent annual report, Resorts World Las Vegas experienced a revenue decline. However, Dixon says it’s not all doom and gloom.
In Q4 2024, the property generated revenue of US$190 million, a decrease from US$241 million the previous year. According to Genting Berhad’s financial report, hotel occupancy and Average Daily Rate (“ADR”) in Q4 2024 were 83.6% and USD286, respectively, compared to 87.7% and USD319 in Q4, Q23.
Genting Berhad stated that in 2024, Las Vegas’ visitor volume remained strong, contributed by a number of a high-profile events, including the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and a mix of concerts and conventions. Dixon recognizes that Vegas is not experiencing a decline in visitors; it simply means his team needs to work harder to increase foot traffic into the resort.
“According to the Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority, visitor volume increased by 2.1% from 40.8 million in 2023 to 41.7 million in 2024 and is expected to remain strong in 2025.” Genting Berhad stated, “RWLV continues to enhance its entertainment and hospitality offerings with new dining, retail and performances to drive significant foot traffic in the coming year.”
Dixon remains confident that the company’s financial future looks promising, even considering the possibility of expansion into the property’s 40 acres of undeveloped land. Dixon explains that the resort has unique assets which can’t be found elsewhere on the Strip, “We have 3,500 rooms, but we have a permit for 10,000. We also have 40 acres of undeveloped land.”
The Best is Yet to Come
Dixon says, looking forward, “we are excited about turning the page to the future.” The CEO is motivated to reinvigorate the company’s entertainment and core gaming business. He also believes that connectivity is a significant part of the company’s overall business plan.
The resort’s location at the north end of the Strip holds great potential to attract more clients, Dixon recognizes. “We’re going to ensure that we begin to work together on how to drive activity, foot traffic, and an overall reemergence of this area.”
Convention-goers are a key market for the resort, and as more locations are added to the Vegas loop, Dixon sees the endless possibilities for growth: “We’re going to benefit, and that is a competitive advantage not only leading into technology but also into multi-modal transportation.”
Looking forward, Dixon proudly remarks, “I encourage people to bet on us, bet on Resorts World Las Vegas, because there’s so much potential.”
