Brian Sandoval, former Nevada governor, is moving on from his role as president of global gaming development for MGM Resorts to become president of the University of Nevada, Reno, of which he is an alumnus.
He has been leading MGM’s campaign to obtain an integrated resort license in Japan in partnership with ORIX Corp. That process has been delayed at least six months by the Covid-19 pandemic.
MGM has also undergone a management shuffle that began at the top with the departure of CEO Jim Murren on March 22 and his replacement by Bill Hornbuckle as acting CEO.
Sandoval served two terms as Nevada governor and joined MGM in January 2019. Before that, in 2010, he was a U.S. District judge and the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
He commented, “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.”
He added, “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. 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.”
