Fontainebleau Las Vegas has seen quite the staff turnover since its opening in December 2023. Four top level execs have left in recent weeks, and now a man brought in to take the place of President might not even get his license, if some critics are to be believed.
The five-star luxury resort announced on Sunday that former Wynn Resorts President Maurice Wooden will take the President position. In confirming the news, Fontainebleau CEO Jeffrey Soffer praised Wooden’s distinguished career, noting his exemplary previous experience.
However, it is just that previous experience that is causing some to doubt his suitability. Las Vegas news source Vital Vegas has argued that his involvement in the Steve Wynn harassment saga could prevent him from getting a gambling license, which he would need to carry out his job.
Wynn agreed to pay $10m and exit the Nevada gaming sector
Wooden was President of Wynn from 2013 to 2019, a time during which Wynn Resorts owner Steve Wynn sexually harassed a number of female employees. Wynn agreed to pay $10m and exit the Nevada gaming sector over the abuse claims in July last year.
As reported by Vital Vegas, “Steve Wynn’s behavior was tolerated and ignored and covered up for years,” all at a time when Wooden was in a high-ranking position at the company. The Nevada Gaming Control Board will need to approve Wooden’s license for him to take the role at Fontainebleau, and will no doubt ask about his knowledge of Wynn’s behavior.
That said, on X, many were quick to come to the defense of Wooden. Las Vegas Locally argued that “Wooden has a great reputation as a gaming exec overall,” and they would find it “hard to believe Fontainebleau would hire a president who can’t get licensed.”
Another user called sumthank, said: “As someone who’s been working in casinos since I was 18 years old, every executive has a negative story about them.”