Ex-Fremont Street chief going to work for casino operator

The Fremont Street Experience chief who announced his resignation in early September is going to work for a downtown casino operator.

Jeff Victor is set on Nov. 1 to become vice president of operations for a cluster of hotel-casinos owned by Derek Stevens. The hotels include The D Las Vegas, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and a third project under development.

"As owner of two of the member properties of Fremont Street Experience, I have had the opportunity to work with Jeff over the past eight years and understand and appreciate what he has accomplished to the benefit of everyone in downtown Las Vegas," said Stevens, who co-owns the hotel-casinos with his brother, Greg Stevens. "Jeff is a very creative, high-energy and talented executive who will be a great addition to our team as we grow our downtown Las Vegas businesses."

Victor announced his departure from the Fremont Street Experience on Sept. 9, after more than nine years as president and general manager of the five-block pedestrian mall that runs along Fremont Street from Main Street to Las Vegas Boulevard. The attraction's board of managers is made up of representatives from its eight member hotel-casinos: Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel, California Hotel & Casino, The D Las Vegas, Four Queens Hotel and Casino, Fremont Hotel & Casino, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget - Las Vegas and Main Street Station Casino Brewery and Hotel.

"Having worked with the Stevens brothers over the past eight years, I believe them to be the most interesting entrepreneurs in Las Vegas' gaming landscape," Victor said in a Tuesday statement. "They are smart, ambitious, creative, energetic, and have proven themselves to be very capable. We have developed a very good working relationship through the years and tend to be like-minded on many fronts. I am thrilled to be joining them and their team as they continue to expand their presence downtown."

Before joining the Fremont Street Experience, Victor was chief operating officer and president of local, live theatrical producer On Stage Entertainment. His experience also includes operations and entertainment positions in theme park and casino industries in New Orleans, Reno, Atlantic City and Biloxi, Miss.

Stevens called Victor "a natural fit" as he and his brother expand their business.

"I'm bullish on Downtown Las Vegas and Jeff has a great relationship with so many Downtown stakeholders," Stevens said. "He will be instrumental in helping us develop plans for the Las Vegas Club property while also being part of further building our business at the D, Golden Gate and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center."