Longtime MGM Resorts International spokesman and executive Alan Feldman will transition into an advisory role with the casino giant on June 1.
Feldman, who is currently executive vice president of global industry affairs with MGM Resorts, said in an email and subsequent Facebook post Friday he would still be involved with the company. He said the move was part of the MGM 2020 cost reduction and margin improvement plan.
Alan Feldman
“As I begin the next chapter of my career, I will continue to advise MGM Resorts in its bid to secure a license in Japan as well as further developing the company’s global responsible gaming initiatives, both projects I am very passionate about,” Feldman said.
Feldman becomes the second high-profile, long-time corporate executive to take advantage of a voluntary resignation program offered through MGM 2020. The company announced the departure of Chief Financial Officer Dan D’Arrigo earlier this month.
MGM 2020, formally announced in January, calls for a range of company-wide cost-cutting and efficiency measures, including $100 million in reduced labor costs. MGM executives said the plans would lead to an additional $300 million in cash flow by 2021.
Feldman joined MGM Resorts – then known as MGM Mirage – following the merger with Mirage Resorts in 2000. He was the company’s long-time corporate spokesman but moved into a development role a few years ago. Previously, Feldman had been the chief corporate spokesman for Mirage Resorts.
A native of Southern California, Feldman came to Las Vegas in 1989 for the opening of The Mirage as an outside public relations advisor.
“The past 29 years in Las Vegas – 11 with Mirage Resorts and 18 with MGM Resorts International – have been rewarding and challenging and have given me the opportunity to do work on projects that have had worldwide impact,” Feldman said.
Feldman was been elected earlier this month as chairman of the Nevada State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling (ACPG), under the Department of Health and Human Services. The committee’s mission is to support effective problem gambling prevention, education, treatment and research programs throughout the state.
Feldman oversees MGM’s planning and implementation of policy development on industry issues and programs with a focus on responsible gambling.
Feldman, who serves as chairman of the National Center for Responsible Gaming, recently spearheaded the launch of GameSense, MGM Resorts’ player-focused responsible gambling program that encourages players to adopt behaviors and attitudes that can reduce the risk of developing gambling disorders.
In his email, Feldman said his work on behalf of responsible gaming has been one of his most important efforts.
“Beginning with the first task force at the American Gaming Association more than 20 years ago, the industry itself has led the charge in raising awareness of gambling disorder and making the first significant investments in high-quality research,” Feldman said. “(With) friends and colleagues in the responsible gaming community here at home and around the world, we will continue to pursue greater knowledge and insights on how to minimize harms related to gambling.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter
