# Bill Hornbuckle

> Bill Hornbuckle is the Las Vegas-based chief executive officer and president of MGM Resorts International. A 1984 UNLV hotel administration graduate who began in frontline hospitality, he helped open The Mirage, led major Strip resorts and became MGM’s permanent CEO in July 2020. His work spans resort operations, digital gaming, sports venues and international development, alongside educational philanthropy with his wife, Wendy.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer and President at MGM Resorts International
- **Organizations:** MGM Resorts International, MGM China Holdings, U.S. Travel Association, T-Mobile Arena, GBank Financial Holdings, Three Square Food Bank, Fulfillment Fund, Vail Resorts
- **From:** Tokyo, Japan
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- **Known for:** Helped open The Mirage in 1989., Led major Strip resorts including MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay., Helped develop T-Mobile Arena and bring the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights to Las Vegas.

## Career timeline

- **1977** — Moved from Connecticut to Las Vegas to attend UNLV; early Las Vegas work included a room-service busboy job at the Jockey Club.
- **1984** — Graduated from UNLV with a BS in Hotel Administration.
- **1989** — Helped open The Mirage as vice president of hotel operations.
- **1998** — Joined MGM; subsequently held senior property and corporate leadership positions.
- **2004** — Established an endowed UNLV hospitality scholarship fund with his wife, Wendy.
- **2005-2009** — President and chief operating officer of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
- **2009-2014** — Chief marketing officer of MGM Resorts; helped create and launch the M life Rewards loyalty program.
- **2012** — Became president of MGM Resorts in December.
- **2016-2021** — Served on the Clark County Stadium Authority Board during development of the Las Vegas NFL stadium project.
- **2019** — Became MGM Resorts chief operating officer in March.
- **2020** — Became acting CEO in March and permanent CEO and a director on July 29.
- **2024** — Inducted into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame.
- **2025** — Selected as U.S. Travel Association national chair for a two-year term; MGM extended his employment agreement through December 31, 2028.
- **2026** — Appointed to Vail Resorts’ board, effective August 3.

## Achievements

- Helped open The Mirage in 1989.
- Led major Strip resorts including MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay.
- Helped develop T-Mobile Arena and bring the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights to Las Vegas.
- Led the creation and launch of M life Rewards while chief marketing officer.
- Oversaw major MGM transactions involving CityCenter, The Cosmopolitan and MGM Growth Properties.
- UNLV Hotel College Alumnus of the Year, 2003.
- UNLV Hospitality College Industry Leader of the Year, 2019.
- Nevada Business Hall of Fame inductee, 2024.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Vail Resorts board appointment became effective August 3, following the July 30 announcement.
- **2026-07** — MGM reported second-quarter revenue of approximately $4.5 billion; Hornbuckle said MGM Osaka remained on track for a 2030 opening.
- **2026-01** — MGM announced that the Escape Solar and Storage Project, combined with its Mega Solar Array, could supply up to 100% of daytime electricity needs at its Las Vegas Strip resorts.
- **2025-05** — MGM extended his CEO and president employment agreement to December 31, 2028 and agreed to offer a subsequent advisory role supporting Osaka until opening.

## Links

- Website: https://www.mgmresorts.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-hornbuckle
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/billhornbuckle

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/bill-hornbuckle
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21