The Downtown Grand in Las Vegas in January announced CEO Jim Simms no longer is with the company after less than a year at the helm.
Simms in June 2015 replaced former CEO Seth Schorr, who became the Downtown Grand’s chairman, but he tenure was only to last as long as it took to expand the casino’s gaming operations and amenities.
Schorr said, under Simms’ guidance, the casino initiated its new customer rewards program, made changes to the casino floor, added a competitive games lounge, and began planning for adding a skill-based gaming parlor.
Schorr said it was supposed to take more than a year to complete those tasks, but Simms and his staff were able to do it in less than one, so his position no longer was necessary.
Schorr said Simms was not fired, and they are not replacing him. His position simply ended.
“Downtown Grand is poised for another successful year catering to its guests with the opening of new culinary and entertainment amenities, elevating the casual sophisticated resort experience in Downtown Las Vegas,” Schorr said.
Simms previously was the president and general manager of Miami Valley Gaming in Ohio, and has extensive experience working in the hospitality industry in Chicago, West Virginia, and Las Vegas.
The Downtown Grand, formerly the Lady Luck, reopened in 2013 after being closed for many years. Although it is located a couple blocks north of the Fremont Street Experience, where foot traffic is heavy, the Downtown Grand reported it maintained a 90 percent occupancy rate, and its revenues from gaming, restaurants, and bars grew steadily through 2015.
Early in 2015, the 30,000 square-foot rooftop infinity pool area was rebranded as the Grand Pool Deck, featuring a fresh food and beverage menu, new cabanas and furniture, and has become a prominent attraction.
