Shake-up: Maurice Wooden out, Marilyn Spiegel returns as president of Wynn Las Vegas

December 15, 2018 10:54 PM
  • Howard Stutz, CDC Gaming Reports
December 15, 2018 10:54 PM
  • Howard Stutz, CDC Gaming Reports

Wynn Resorts Ltd. has returned Marilyn Spiegel as president of Wynn Las Vegas, the latest executive change by the casino operator.

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The announcement was made in a press release late Friday. Spiegel, who served as president of the Las Vegas Strip resort from 2010 to 2013, replaces Maurice Wooden, who will step down at the end of the year. In her position, Spiegel will also oversee the operations of the adjacent Encore resort.

“Wynn Las Vegas and Encore are recognized globally for creating outstanding guest experiences,” Spiegel said in a statement.  “Without question, that success is driven by the employees.  The Wynn team is the most talented in our industry – I eagerly look forward to working with them again.”

Before joining Wynn Las Vegas for the first time in 2010, Spiegel served as president of five different Caesars Entertainment-owned resorts in Las Vegas.  She also served as corporate senior vice president of human resources for Harrah’s Entertainment from 1999 to 2003. Most recently, Spiegel served on the Caesars Entertainment board of directors.

Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox said in a statement Spiegel “truly understands our brand and appreciates what it means to our guests and employees. Marilyn not only shares that understanding, she helped to create it.”

Wooden, who had been president of Wynn Las Vegas since 2013, was caught up in the media coverage surrounding former Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn, who departed the company in February following allegations of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

The Wall Street Journal reported the accusations in a lengthy article, including charges that Wynn paid a $7.5 million settlement to a Wynn Las Vegas manicurist who in 2005 told people the CEO had forced her to have sex with him.

In March, the newspaper reported Wooden was among the senior executives at the company who had been accused by workers of enabling Wynn’s alleged behavior throughout the years. After the publication of the first Wall Street Journal article in January, Wooden sent a note to employees condemning the report and expressing support for Wynn.

Wooden led several resorts and departments during his nearly 30-year career in the gaming industry. He currently represents Wynn on the board of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Wynn Resorts also announced other management changes.

Scott Moore was named Wynn’s chief marketing officer. Moore joins the casino operator following a digital marketing career outside the gaming industry, including positions with Augeo, and Best Buy.

Michael Weaver has been appointed Wynn’s chief communications officer. Weaver has been with Wynn Resorts since 2011, having served in various leadership positions in marketing, branding, communications and development.

The three appointments are effective Jan. 2.

The changes are part of an overall management shake-up at the company that began following Steve Wynn’s departure – he sold his entire 12 percent ownership stake in March for $2.1 billion.

Ellen Whittemore, who has more than 30 years of experience in Nevada gaming law, was named general counsel of Wynn Resorts and Rose Huddleston joined the company as senior vice President of human resources, North America, a new position. Huddleston spent the past 18 years with Ritz-Carlton/Marriott International as regional director of human resources.

The biggest change has been in the company’s board of directors. Longtime Harrah’s Entertainment Chairman and CEO Phil Satre became Wynn’s chairman in August

In April the company added three women to its board – former White House press secretary Dee Dee Myers, three-time CEO Betsy Atkins, and Kestrel Advisors CEO Winifred “Wendy” Webb – who joined current board member Pat Mulroy, making Wynn among the top 40 S&P 500 companies for female board representation.

Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.