In a substantial rise through the ranks of the hotel and casino industry, Alex Dixon has taken the helm as CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas. According to a News 3 Las Vegas report, Dixon, whose roots are firmly planted in Las Vegas's historic West Side, expressed his gratitude and outlined his ambitious vision for the property. He stands as a beacon of possibility for the Black community in a predominately white executive landscape, with Black executives constituting only 5.6% of high-level positions in the gaming industry, as per a 2023 American Gaming Association study.
Having grown up in a family with deep ties to the local casino industry, Dixon brings not just experience but generational insight to his new role. Growing up, surrounded by casino workers, Dixon's early life was intertwined with the evolving Las Vegas casino landscape. Returning to the very roots that fostered his career trajectory, Dixon acknowledges the personal significance of his ascent. "Sometimes you have to go out in order to go up. So my wife and our three kids, we've moved quite a bit," Dixon told KTNV in an interview that reflects on his personal and professional backstories.
Faced with Resorts World's recent financial downturns, Dixon appears unfazed and ready to spearhead a turnaround. He is set to tackle the company's reported issues with gaming regulators and its financial well-being. "That's what we're doing literally right here, is turning that next page," Dixon said, expressing confidence in the future of the company and highlighting the untapped potential of the 40-acre property on the Las Vegas Boulevard. With Resort World's 3,500 hotel rooms and entertainment offerings, Dixon is poised to leverage his connection to the community to right the ship and attract new audiences.
Dixon's leadership at Resorts World is succeeding against the backdrop of Black History Month, offering an acute reflection of progress in an industry that once relegated his grandmother to entering through the back door due to segregation. Since arriving, walking through the front door and into the executive office, he embodies the historical shift of his family's narrative within the Las Vegas service industry. "To be able to walk through not only the front door like she couldn’t, but to also be the chief executive officer of a major property on the Las Vegas Strip is just nothing short of amazing," Dixon told News 3 Las Vegas. This milestone is not lost on him, as he embarks on a mission to share prosperity and opportunities within the organization and the broader West Side community.
Beyond navigating financial challenges, Dixon plans to play an instrumental role in invigorating the West Side, aiming to demonstrate that individuals from this area can achieve great success and contribute to broader societal change. As Dixon asserts, his story is one of opportunity—a testament to the potential for growth and leadership that abounds, yet often goes unrealized in underrepresented communities. His story, told during Black History Month, is not just a moment in time but a burgeoning legacy that aims to uplift others and inspire further progress.
