Former MGM executive named next CEO at Cosmopolitan

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Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun

John Unwin, CEO of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, stands atop the resort-casino’s marquee.

Wed, Dec 17, 2014 (3:06 p.m.)

William McBeath, a former MGM Resorts International executive, is the next chief executive officer of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The resort announced McBeath’s appointment in a statement today, about a week after it revealed that inaugural CEO John Unwin would leave at the at the end of the year. McBeath will take over after the Cosmopolitan’s $1.73 billion sale to an affiliate of private equity firm Blackstone Group is complete.

“I have watched The Cosmopolitan create a standout experience that appeals to Las Vegas visitors as well as the local community,” McBeath said in the statement.

Las Vegas Sun and Vegas DeLuxe entertainment writer Robin Leach first reported Friday night that McBeath was taking on a “top role” at the Cosmopolitan.

McBeath has been the president of several major Strip properties, including CityCenter, the Mirage, Treasure Island and the Bellagio.

The Mirage and Bellagio are both MGM Resorts properties. The casino giant owns 50 percent of CityCenter, and it used to own Treasure Island.

“Bill brings nearly 30 years of broad-based experience in gaming and hospitality,” said

Blackstone Senior Managing Director Tyler Henritze in the statement. “With his expertise, we look forward to building upon the success and continuing the momentum that The Cosmopolitan has established as we move forward.”

McBeath comes at a critical juncture for the upscale Strip resort. Since opening its doors to the public in December 2010, the Cosmopolitan has yet to report an annual profit, though it has slashed losses in recent quarters.

Now the sale of the property, which was announced in May, is almost complete.

The Gaming Control Board granted initial approval two weeks ago, and the Gaming Commission is set to consider final approval of the sale on Thursday.

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