Experienced hotelier Gamal Aziz will lead company's expansion of luxury brands internationally
MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM)
announced today the formation of MGM MIRAGE Hospitality, LLC, a new
corporate subsidiary principally focused on extending the company's
renowned hotel brands and developing new luxury hotel brand concepts for
destinations in the U.S. and abroad.
MGM MIRAGE Hospitality will initially work with recently announced
joint venture partners Mubadala Development Company of Abu Dhabi and
Diaoyutai State Guesthouse of Beijing to explore hospitality business
opportunities in various international markets. Currently, the new entity
is exploring opportunities in Abu Dhabi, the United Kingdom and Las Vegas
with Mubadala, and in the People's Republic of China with Diaoyutai. The
MGM MIRAGE joint venture relationship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation will also fall under the auspices of this newly formed subsidiary.
"Our company is very optimistic about the growth potential of our new
international relationships," said Terry Lanni, Chairman and CEO of MGM
MIRAGE. "We hold in our company portfolio some of the best-known, most
highly regarded luxury hotel brands in the world. We can also benefit from
the enormous wealth of development experience our team can bring to new
concepts. We feel confident that experienced world travelers will be eager
to experience our trademark hospitality in world cities beyond our existing
gaming destinations."
In addition to his duties as President & Chief Operating Officer of MGM
Grand Las Vegas, Gamal Aziz has been named to lead this new subsidiary as
President and Chief Executive Officer of MGM MIRAGE Hospitality, LLC.
"Gamal is uniquely qualified to lead our growth and brand expansion
internationally," Mr. Lanni continued. "His knowledge of worldwide luxury
hotel operations and development, combined with his record in delivering
quality resort products and guest services will drive our efforts as we
pursue new global development opportunities."
Mr. Aziz possesses extensive hotel and gaming resort management
experience and is recognized as a leader in the hospitality industry. He
was appointed in 2001 as President and COO of MGM Grand Las Vegas and has
overseen a dramatic multi-year evolution of the property. Under his
leadership, MGM Grand garnered more AAA Diamond awards in 2007 than any
other resort in the world, among them AAA Five Diamond designations for
both the luxurious SKYLOFTS all-suite hotel and the eponymous Joel Robuchon
restaurant.
Mr. Aziz was named "Nevada Hotelier of the Year" in 2005 and was named
one of the "Top 10 Most Influential People in Las Vegas" by the Las Vegas
Review-Journal newspaper in 2006.
Previously, Mr. Aziz served as Senior Vice President of Food and
Beverage at Bellagio, playing a significant role in the development and
opening of that resort. Mr. Aziz has also served in senior management
positions with some of the nation's most prominent hotel and gaming
properties, including Caesars Palace Las Vegas, the Plaza in New York and
the St. Francis in San Francisco.
Mr. Aziz received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
from the University of Cairo in Egypt.
