MGM appoints former U.S. diplomat for Japan office

"In addition, MGM will allocate development specialists from the U.S. to Japan as it increases its total development staffing in the U.S. and Japan combined to more than a dozen, reinforcing MGM Resorts Japan’s organisational structure as it works to realise a Japanese resort,” the casino operator said in a press release.

The document added that MGM Resorts Japan would relocate its Tokyo office from Akasaka to Otemachi, with the new office set to open on September 1. MGM Resorts stated it also planned to open a new office in Osaka "in the future”.

Commenting on the appointment of Hyland, MGM Resorts’ chairman and chief executive James Murren, said: "Jason’s substantial experience as senior diplomat, his deep understanding of the Japanese culture, as well as his proven leadership and negotiation skills, extensive network and strong command of the Japanese language will be a tremendous asset as we promote activities in Japan.”

MGM Resorts already had announced last month the appointment of a former aide to the U.S. diplomatic mission in Japan as vice president of global industry affairs. Debra DeShong will lead the firm’s global hospitality and entertainment media relations and "messaging strategies”, the company stated.

The chief executive of MGM Resorts Japan, Ed Bowers, said that the firm’s decision to open a new office in Tokyo and to expand its Japan team reflected the company’s "strong commitment” to the Japanese market. "The new office will become our core hub as our team advances toward the realisation of a resort that is uniquely Japanese,” Bowers added.

Last week, Japan’s Office of Integrated Resort Regime Promotion – a body made up of professional civil servants advising the government on the IR Implementation Bill – delivered to the Japanese government a report featuring a set of suggestions on how to regulate the country’s casino industry.

MGM Resorts first established offices in Tokyo and Osaka in 2014.

Source: GMB / GGR Asia