In Memoriam: MGM Resorts International Founder Kirk Kerkorian (1917 - 2015)
Legendary business icon spurred the early evolution of the Las Vegas Strip
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) honors the memory of Kirk (Kirkor) Kerkorian, the company's founder, who passed away last evening. On June 6, he had turned 98.startclickprintexclude endclickprintexclude
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) honors the memory of Kirk (Kirkor) Kerkorian, the company's founder, who passed away last evening. On June 6, he had turned 98.
Mr. Kerkorian was a quiet but powerful force behind the transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, through the development of the International, MGM and MGM Grand. He was also a generous humanitarian who donated hundreds of millions of dollars to charities worldwide.
"MGM Resorts and our family of 62,000 employees are honoring the memory of a great man, a great business leader, a great community leader, an innovator, and one of our country's greatest generation, said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International. "Mr. Kerkorian combined brilliant business insight with steadfast integrity to become one of the most reputable and influential financiers of our time," Murren said.
"Personally, he was a friend and coach, who taught me the importance in looking forward, and to look back only to understand how things could be done better," Murren concluded.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and his many business associates."
Mr. Kerkorian owned Beverly Hills-based Tracinda Corporation, a private investment firm. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of MGM Resorts, and had served with distinction as Director Emeritus since 2011.
He is survived by two daughters, Tracy Kerkorian and Linda Ross Hilton Kemper, and three grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ahron and Lily Kerkorian.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company's 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker, and the Company's subsidiary LeoVegas AB offers sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands in several jurisdictions throughout Europe. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its "Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet" philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their Company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on Twitter as well as Facebook and Instagram.