Four months after officially opening its doors to the public, the president of Wynn Resorts’ $2.6bn Encore Boston Harbor has stepped down after leading the resort for the last five years.
Robert DeSalvio is reported to be stepping down from Encore Boston Harbor, despite leading the $2.6 billion Everett project through construction and its first months of operations.
During his time as group president, DeSalvio led Encore Boston Harbor through a series of Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigations that came in the wake of the allegations levied at the company founder Steve Wynn and subsequent name change of the property, as well as sale talks concerning MGM Resorts International.
“Bob DeSalvio’s ability to partner with community leaders and elected officials, assemble a world-class team and lead them to produce and launch a project of the highest quality is remarkable. His unique talent to both manage a complicated construction process while listening to the needs of key stakeholders was essential to our success,” said Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts.
“Bob leaves Encore with a hand-selected team prepared to take on the challenges ahead. I salute him for his commitment to the project and, most importantly, his dedication to his team.”
Wynn Resorts has today confirmed that DeSalvio will be replaced by Brian Gullbrants, who has previously managed all hotel and food and beverage operations at Encore, working alongside his predecessor since the pre-opening phase of the resort.
During his time as executive vice president and general manager, Gullbrants led the opening of the hotel at Encore Las Vegas back in 2008. His role then included oversight of both Wynn Las Vegas and Encore hotels in 2011
Alongside Gullbrants recent appointment, Jenny Holaday will also join Encore Boston Harbor as Executive Vice President of Operations, and Eric Kraus will join the Encore team as Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs – both of which are yet to receive regulatory approval.
Holaday is due to oversee all gaming and casino marketing functions at Encore Boston Harbor, having previously served as the senior marketing officer for all Caesars Entertainment casinos in Atlantic City.
As Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Kraus will oversee government and community relations, public relations and philanthropy for Encore Boston Harbor. Previously, he led global corporate communications and public affairs for The Gillette Company, and was active in the merger of P&G and Gillette.
