Former Fontainebleau Las Vegas head Cliff Atkinson named president of Virgin Las Vegas

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 9:16 PM
Photo:  Shutterstock
  • Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming

Cliff Atkinson, the one-time president of Fontainebleau Las Vegas and former president and COO of the Luxor, has been named president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Virgin, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, said in a statement that Atkinson will take on the role effective Monday.

Richard “Boz” Bosworth, president and CEO of JC Hospitality, the private-equity firm that owns the resort, stepped down as president at the end of March. Bosworth said at the time that he would remain an investor, but will pursue new ventures in hospitality.

In its announcement, Virgin said Atkinson is a “well-respected and proven leader in Las Vegas,” who will bring his “extensive extensive knowledge, experience, and relationships” to the property.

“It was important to our board to find a leader who possessed not only the knowledge and experience required to drive results at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, but also the reputation and personality needed to lead and inspire the  team on property,” according to a statement from the board of JC Hospitality. “Cliff is that type of leader.”

A veteran of the hospitality industry with nearly 30 years of experience, Atkinson has played a leading role in the success of several high-profile hotels across the country, including Luxor, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Gramercy Park Hotel. In a corporate capacity at MGM Resorts International, he led their hospitality center of excellence.

Atkinson said in a statement that he will work closely with the executive team through “a period of change, upholding the property’s reputation as a fun and exciting” destination for its guests. “The iconic off-Strip property is a legendary resort with a rich history and bright future,” Atkinson said.

In January 2022, Atkinson was named president of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which remains under construction and won’t open until December. Brett Mufson was named president last January on a temporary basis and in June the Fontainebleau named Mark Tricano as president.