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Cliff Atkinson named President of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower28 October 2026(PRESS RELEASE) -- Golden Entertainment has named Cliff Atkinson president of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, effective 9 November. Atkinson joins The STRAT from Fremont Street Experience, where he has served as president and CEO since February, and brings over 30 years of leadership experience across luxury hotels, resorts and gaming properties in Las Vegas and beyond. In his new role, Atkinson will oversee all aspects of The STRAT’s operations, including its 2,427-room hotel, 80,000-square-foot casino and the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S. The STRAT has undergone a full reinvention of the iconic property since Golden Entertainment took ownership in late 2017. “Cliff is one of the most well-respected leaders in our industry, and his reputation in this city speaks for itself,” said Blake Sartini II, executive vice president and COO of Golden Entertainment. “He has led some of the most celebrated properties in Las Vegas and has a proven track record of elevating service, strengthening teams and delivering results. We are thrilled to welcome him to The STRAT and look forward to the energy and experience he will bring to this iconic property.” Atkinson has held top leadership roles at several of the most high-profile resorts in Las Vegas. Prior to Fremont Street Experience, he served as president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas. As president and COO of Luxor Hotel & Casino, he oversaw $400 million in annual revenue and led a $40 million property improvement plan for the resort’s 4,400 guest rooms. Before Luxor, he served as senior vice president for MGM Resorts International, where he established the company’s Corporate Hotel Division and provided strategic guidance for the openings of MGM National Harbor and MGM Springfield. Atkinson spent much of his career with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, beginning in revenue management in 1998 and rising to general manager of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, and later Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas (now Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas). In Las Vegas, he led the property to Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond status. “The STRAT is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas, and I’m honored to join this team,” said Atkinson. “Golden Entertainment has done remarkable work reinventing this property, and I look forward to building on that momentum and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and team members alike.” Originally from San Francisco, Atkinson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco. He is deeply embedded in the local Nevada tourism community, serving on the boards of the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association and his alma mater. In recognition of his leadership on the Strip, he was named Nevada Hotelier of the Year in 2014. |