The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut has appointed tribal member Jason Guyot as president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, an interim position he’s held almost a year.
Guyot is the first tribal member named to the post, and is credited with leading the resort through one of its most challenging times, in the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic. Foxwoods closed from mid-March 2020 through June 1, and then reopened a less than full capacity.
According to an announcement from the tribe, Guyot “assumes the role at a pivotal time as the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation sought to redefine its post-pandemic resort experiences and propel Foxwoods toward its 30th anniversary milestone next year, celebrating its position as the Northeast’s destination for innovative gaming and award-winning entertainment.”
Tribal Chairman Rodney Baker called Guyot “our first Pequot CEO and added, “This is a special milestone for Foxwoods as well as our tribal family. What Jason has done over the past 12 months has been remarkable, taking the helm of Foxwoods at the onset of the pandemic, building safety guidelines from the ground up to ensure guests feel safe, and championing a new kind of culture for our team members.”
Guyot commented, “I’ve been very fortunate to have been afforded the unique opportunity to begin and advance my career at Foxwoods, driven by my desire and passion to learn and grow, personally and professionally. As a tribal member, I’m equally grateful for the opportunity to contribute toward the future success of our tribal nation.”
He has worked for Foxwoods since 2003, working his way up from an employment and diversity manager through the ranks of HR, to marketing, gaming and hotel operations. He oversaw the expansion and opening of the Fox Tower in 2008. Guyot succeeded John James, who resigned last year after just eight months in the job. James, in turn, was tapped to replace Felix Rappaport, who died suddenly of a heart condition in June 2018.
Last week, the Pequots and their sometime-rival, the Mohegan Tribe, announced they had reached a deal with Governor Ned Lamont on an amendment to the state tribal gaming compact to allow for sports betting and online gaming.
