Skift Live

Jim Murren

Executive Chairman and CEO

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Jim Murren holds the position of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where he champions innovation and oversees strategy and growth to ensure the company remains a leader in the luxury travel sector as its global presence expands.

A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Jim prioritizes exceeding guest expectations through exceptional service, innovative solutions, and strategic execution. He is instrumental in advancing the company’s competitive edge and fosteringa world-class service culture for guests, shareholders, and a growing global team. By refining core operations and leveraging new growth opportunities, he drives continued success for all stakeholders.

With decades of global leadership in the hospitality and entertainment industries, Jim has adeptly navigated both emerging and developed markets amid significant global challenges. As Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International from 2008 to 2020, he led the company through the Great Recession, overhauled its healthcare policy to better serve employees, and introduced technological innovations in gaming. He played a pivotal role in boosting tourism to Las Vegas and expanding professional sports, overseeing the construction of T-Mobile Arena, becoming a founding partner of the Vegas Golden Knights, organizing the purchase and relocation of the Las Vegas Aces, facilitating the growth of the NBA Summer League, and establishing MGM as the official gaming partner of the Las Vegas Raiders. He was also an early advocate for the sports betting marketplace.

Following his tenure at MGM, he chaired Nevada’s COVID-19 Response, Relief, and Recovery Task Force, collaborating with local government and private sector leaders to secure personal protective equipment, establish a robust statewide testing system, and ensure Nevada students had the resources to learn remotely.

Currently, Jim serves as Co-Chairman of Cirque du Soleil, Chairman of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), and a member of the board of trustees for Howard University. He is recognized for embracing emerging technologies to expand into new markets and establish thriving brands worldwide. As a proven leader in business transformation, Jim excels at driving change that impacts both performance and culture by defining, aligning, and executing company strategy to deliver meaningful results. His strategic vision has generated world-class entertainment while fostering innovation.

Earlier in his career, Jim honed his financial acumen on Wall Street as a top-ranked equity analyst with Cyrus J. Lawrence and later as Director of U.S. Equity Research for Deutsche Bank. He is a former member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council and the U.S. Travel Association and has chaired the Leadership Board of the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Jim is a graduate of Trinity College, where he studied Art History and Urban Studies, and is a father of two young men.

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