Hornbuckle replaces Murren at MGM

MGM Resorts International has announced that COO and president Bill Hornbuckle has been named acting CEO and president, replacing outgoing chairman and CEO Jim Murren.

Murren informed the company’s board of directors in early February of his plans to step down prior to the expiration of his contract and in light of the public health crisis gripping the nation and the travel industry has vacated the position immediately so as to provide continuity of leadership for the company.

Replacing Murren as the chair of the board of directors will be Paul Salem, who currently is a member of the MGM Resorts board and chair of the real estate committee of MGM Resorts, which is in the process of executing the asset light strategy.

“The nation is facing an unprecedented crisis, causing the travel and hospitality industry to grind to a near halt. It is clear that once the threat to the public health has subsided and we are ready to reopen our resorts and casinos, it will take an incredible effort to ramp back up,” said Salem. 

“We believe continued steady, skilled leadership is needed in this time of great upheaval and uncertainty. Bill is one of the most experienced operators in the business and we have confidence in his ability to bring this company back online. Jim Murren is an outstanding leader who transformed MGM Resorts during his 22 years. Since Jim announced his stepping down from MGM Resorts, we felt that now more than ever, continuity of leadership was of vital importance.”