Kirk Kerkorian, who owned MGM three times, was a “seminal force” in making Las Vegas what it is now, remembers Caesars Entertainment Corporation president and CEO Gary Loveman.
Kerkorian, who made his fortune in Vegas real estate, died Monday at 98. In 1993, he opened the current MGM Grand, and in 2000, his company acquired Mirage Resorts from Steve Wynn.
“Kirk Kerkorian was a seminal force in the creation and growth of what is today’s Las Vegas, the greatest destination resort city in the world,” Loveman told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement.
“MGM Resorts International, which he has owned and supported for so long, reflects many of Kirk’s most admirable qualities and stands as a terrific testament to his business values,” Loveman continued.
Loveman, along with Kerkorian and Wynn, helped revolutionize Vegas in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Loveman was the COO of Harrah’s from 1998 until 2003. He is stepping down as Caesars president at the end of this month but will remain with the company as chairman.
Related Stories
June 16 at 8:15 p.m. Updated with details about Loveman’s position at Caesars.
