The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, owner of Foxwoods Resort Casino, has announced the appointment of Felix D. Rappaport to the position of President and CEO.
Rappaport has more than 34 years of hospitality, gaming and entertainment experience, having provided leadership expertise at major resort gaming operations throughout the United States. Since beginning his tenure at Foxwoods last February as Senior Vice President and COO, Rappaport has proven to be an incredible asset to the property.
Rappaport has been part of the senior management team responsible for bringing in new partners to expand the full resort experience for guests, including new attractions, nightclubs, restaurants and the highly anticipated Tanger Outlets, which is expected to open in May 2015.
“Felix has an incredibly extensive background, and his expertise is unmatched in the industry,” said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman, Rodney Butler. “His vision has been the driving force behind our master plan, which is to provide an enhanced resort experience for all our guests.”
Rappaport has worked for many of the world’s largest and most well known names in the hospitality industry, including Station Casinos, Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company, and Steve Wynn’s Mirage and Treasure Island. He has also served as President/COO of NYNY, Luxor, and Excalibur.
Foxwoods has had a strong entertainment footprint for more than two decades, hosting more of the world’s hottest stars than any other property. Rappaport, who has worked with numerous entertainment acts throughout his career including Criss Angel, Earth Wind & Fire, The Beach Boys, Jay Leno, Carrot Top, Rita Rudner, Terry Fator, Ray Romano and Kevin James, just to name of a few, will create new opportunities for Foxwoods through his contacts in the industry.
Another area of focus for Rappaport will also be on enhanced service and quality.
“Throughout my career, my philosophy has been on shared leadership,” said Rappaport. “I truly believe that collectively we must unlock the full potential of the more than 5,000 team members to ensure that each and every guest truly experiences the greatest resort destination in North America.”
“Happy employees providing world-class service leads to loyal customers, which leads to business success and profitability,” he added.
When Foxwoods opened in 1992, it became one of the most famous brands in all of gaming, resorts, and entertainment. The property currently sees 9 million visitors each year, with an anticipated additional 4 to 5 million visitors with the opening of the Tanger Outlets.
Rappaport has also been involved in several new property openings, as well as dozens of capital projects including nightclubs, restaurants, bars, attractions, showrooms, casino and hotel tower renovations, shopping areas and stores.
“We are confident that his expertise and his vision will build on our solid foundation and maximize the tremendous growth opportunities that lie ahead, as we renew our focus on creating a world class, dynamic resort experience for Foxwoods’ guests,” added Butler.
