Fontainebleau makes another leadership change — CDC Gaming reports

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is undergoing another change in leadership six weeks after opening as the Strip resort announced Sunday that a former Wynn Las Vegas executive will take on the top leadership role.

Maurice Wooden has been named president of the property, according to a news release issued Sunday by Fontainebleau Development. In May, Wooden was named president of luxury hotel development for Fertitta Entertainment, which plans to create a luxury resort on the south end of the Strip.

Wooden takes over for Mark Tricano, who has served as president of Fontainebleau Las Vegas since June. The statement did not mention his name, but the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Tricano has not left the company and will report to Wooden.

Wooden has 36 years of gaming and hospitality experience, having previously served as chief executive officer and president of Wynn Las Vegas and as a member of the board of directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“Maurice has proven himself throughout his career as a leader dedicated to advancing the luxury hospitality experience on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Jeffrey Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development. “His proven track record, coupled with his unparalleled consistency and deep knowledge of the hospitality and gaming industries, instills an exceptional level of confidence in us as we continue to develop and improve our Las Vegas properties.”

Wooden’s career at Wynn Las Vegas began in 2005 as executive vice president of food and beverage. He was named chief operating officer, before becoming chief executive officer and president in 2013. Wooden also previously served as president and chief operating officer of Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, vice president of casino marketing for the Mirage Hotel and Casino, and vice president of operations. Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi Mississippi.

“It is extremely exciting and an honor to take on the responsibility of leading an amazing team during this pivotal moment in Las Vegas,” Wooden said. “The rich history and cultural alignment with this iconic brand resonates with my own sensibilities. Fontainebleau Development designed this resort with a unique, independent vision that sets it apart from everything and anything that has ever existed on the sector. This role offers me a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a team A world-class executive to strengthen our Las Vegas community and contribute to the future growth of the Fontainebleau brand.

Executive departures since the resort opened include COO, Senior Vice President of Casino Operations, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Revenue Management.

The $3.7 billion Fontainebleau Las Vegas project was built and financed by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.