“Cliff is a dynamic and respected leader whose expertise in hospitality, guest experience and large-scale operational strategy will be instrumental.”
Fremont Street Experience, the entertainment district in Downtown Las Vegas, has appointed hospitality executive Cliff Atkinson as its new president and CEO. Atkinson brings more than two decades of hotel and resort leadership in luxury hospitality, gaming, large-scale property transformations and team development.
The FSE Board pointed to Atkinson’s vision, operations background and transforming hospitality settings. His background navigating Las Vegas’ entertainment-driven resort environment also played a role in his selection.
“Cliff is a dynamic and respected leader whose expertise in hospitality, guest experience and large-scale operational strategy will be instrumental as Fremont Street Experience continues to grow and evolve,” said Mark Brandenburg, FSE Board chairman. “His background leading iconic Las Vegas properties and uniting diverse teams makes him uniquely qualified to guide the future of our destination.”
Atkinson most recently served as president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, where he led the resort’s post-renovation turnaround and drove a comprehensive operational transformation. In this role, he oversaw all facets of the business and established a unified leadership model that reshaped the property’s culture.
Before that, he served as president of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, guiding the pre-opening strategy and building the executive leadership team in preparation for the launch of the multibillion‑dollar resort. His career also includes leadership positions with MGM Resorts International, including Senior Vice President of Corporate Hotel Strategy and President and COO of Luxor.
Atkinson also spent a decade with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in San Francisco, New York and Las Vegas, earning Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond and Hotelier of the Year honors.
“I am honored to join Fremont Street Experience at such a pivotal moment,” Atkinson said. “From its incredible roster of entertainment to its impact on Downtown Las Vegas tourism, Fremont Street Experience is one of the most unique and energetic destinations in the world.”
Atkinson serves on the boards of the University of San Francisco and the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association. He is set to begin his new role on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
