Felix Rappaport, the president and chief executive officer of Foxwoods Resorts Casino, has tragically passed away aged 65, it has been announced in the United States.

Revealed jointly by the Foxwoods and The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN), owners and operators of the Connecticut based resort casino, Rappaport has been praised during his four year tenure “as the leader of one of the world’s largest and most successful gaming enterprises”.

Rodney Butler, MPTN Chairman, commented: “On behalf of the entire Tribal Council, Foxwoods management team and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to Felix’s family.

“With his passing, we have suffered a major loss. Felix’s passion for modernising and growing Foxwoods, as well as his friendship, mentorship and humour touched everyone who worked with him. We are confident that Felix’s legacy will live on as we continue to push forward on the vision he set.”  

Called “an unrivalled and tireless powerhouse” during the course of his career, it was Rappaport’s “passion and leadership in hospitality, gaming and entertainment” that led him through the doors of many of the world’s biggest and well known names in the industry.

Prior to teaming with Foxwoods, Rappaport took in roles at Treasure Island, Station Casinos, Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company, in addition to also serving as president/COO of Mirage, NYNY, Luxor and Excalibur, while working for MGM Resorts International.

Praising his “profound” contributions during his four years at the helm of Foxwoods, a focus of enhanced service and quality, as well as making the property a fun and engaging place for its over 6,500 team members, has been lauded.

The tribal council details that it will now consider how to best resume Rappaport’s strategic plan for growth in the days ahead, with a continued focused on the property’s long-term vision.

A cause of death has not been determined.