Bobby Baldwin Las Vegas
Poker Hall of Famer Bobby Baldwin was named Chief Executive Officer of Drew Las Vegas, a new casino that is currently under construction on the Las Vegas Strip. At the same time, he was also named. Eva Longoria Parker headed to Las Vegas this week to meet with Bobby Baldwin, CityCenter’s President and CEO; and Frank Visconti, President of Crystals at. Hotel, Casino & Club News. It has always been my humble opinion that Benjamin Siegel created Las Vegas, but Steve Wynn built Las Vegas with the help and knowledge of Bobby Baldwin and the late casino host Charlie Meyerson. I believe that District Attorney Wolfson and Sheriff Joe Lombardo should have been a little more “discreet” in how they defend the son of a man.
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 7, 2019 — Witkoff has named Bobby Baldwin, renowned gaming executive, as Vice Chairman of Witkoff and Chief Executive Officer of Drew Las Vegas, a 67-story resort and casino in development on the Las Vegas Strip. Baldwin will assume his new role immediately.
Partnering with a highly respected industry leader signals Witkoff’s commitment to the long-term success of Drew, which will set the standard for next-generation Las Vegas luxury, and to the destination overall. With nearly 3,800 rooms, the resort will introduce a truly unique take on the Las Vegas experience, featuring a state-of-the-art casino, an innovative collection of restaurants, shops, and pools, vibrant nightlife options, and groundbreaking spa and wellness offerings.
In his additional role as Witkoff’s Vice Chairman, Baldwin will provide leadership and insight on projects beyond Las Vegas that are critical to the firm’s long-term growth strategy.
November 4, 2019, 9:06 am Las Vegas casino industry veteran Bobby Baldwin has been named CEO of the Drew Las Vegas, a $3.1 billion, 67-story hotel and casino resort currently under development at the site of the unfinished Fontainebleau in the northern end of the Strip. Nicknamed 'The Owl,' Baldwin won the 1978 World Series of Poker Main Event. At 28 years old, he was the youngest player to accomplish the feat. Baldwin was named CEO of Mirage Resorts in 2000 and in 2005, became president and CEO of CityCenter. Inducted in 2003 into the Poker Hall of Fame.
“As we were making final preparations for construction, we had a unique opportunity to work with a transformational leader who has unrivaled experience,” says Steven Witkoff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Witkoff. “Bobby sees how far the project has come and is supportive of our vision and strategy. He has been at the helm of many preeminent resorts in Las Vegasincluding Mirage, Bellagio, and CityCenter. Given Bobby’s industry reputation and experience, we believe he’s the ideal individual to successfully launch this project and to help drive strategy within the overall Witkoff enterprise.”
Says Baldwin, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Witkoff organization as well as the team at Drew Las Vegas. Witkoff’s proven track record in global real estate development, financing, and operations makes this the right opportunity, particularly when combined with the introduction of the Drew.”
Baldwin has an unparalleled track record in Las Vegas and is widely known for achieving strong financial outcomes. Prior to becoming Vice Chairman of Witkoff and Drew’s CEO, Baldwin most recently served as Chief Customer Development Officer of MGM Resorts International and President and CEO of CityCenter, an approximately $9.2 billion development.
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Three generations of nitro racing courses through the veins of the vibrant and ambitious Krista Baldwin, who joined legendary grandfather Chris “the Greek” Karamesines and late father Bobby Baldwin among the ranks of Top Fuel pilots when she earned her competition license in Karamesines’ dragster during Monday testing following the St. Louis event in October.
“The whole experience was quite crazy,” Baldwin describes. “At the end of 2019, we decided it was time to make the transition. Of course, we had huge plans starting with Charlotte this spring when the whole world turned upside down and we couldn’t do it. After a lot of months, we were able to get it done in St. Louis. It was such a momentous occasion. I’m super proud that I was able to do it and to be able to do it with him.”
The tidal wave of emotions continued with the bittersweet moment of Karamesines concluding his one-of-a-kind driving career at the NHRA Finals in Las Vegas, making his final pass in the first round opposite Leah Pruett.
“For him to say he was actually going to retire was quite a whirlwind,” says Baldwin. “When he did the burnout against Leah Sunday morning in Las Vegas, I had a tear in my eye.”
Baldwin expresses gratitude that Karamesines was able to end his run with a quality race car with the help of the Capco Contractors and Don Schumacher Racing teams, including hands-on help in Indy from Bobby and Dom Lagana, Jake Sanders, Katie Buttera, and Baldwin’s boyfriend, Bobby Lane. She looks forward to her turn behind the wheel next season.
“I believe we’re going to try to start the year in Gainesville,” says Baldwin. “That is such a historic event, especially for him, that it will be fun to debut at the track that he’s most frequented.”
She also has unfinished business with the A/Fuel dragster that she acquired from Anthony Dicero.
“I’ll jump into the A/Fuel car a couple times to stay in sync,” says Baldwin. “I still want to win that Wally before I give up. I’ve had a great couple years in Top Alcohol Dragster and made some wonderful friends. I would not change it for the world.”
Bobby Baldwin Drew Las Vegas
Baldwin balances her racing ambitions with working for Paul Lee, who finished in the top 10 in Funny Car standings this season. Lee appointed Baldwin to the Creative Director position at McLeod Racing and FTI Performance, and she also serves in a team management role for his Global Electronic Technology-sponsored team.
“I can’t thank Paul enough for believing in me, providing a totally kickass job, and helping me on the racing side,” says Baldwin. “He’s a huge mentor, and he helps me both with driving and the mechanics of the car and with the business side.”
Bobby Baldwin Las Vegas
The sky is the limit for Baldwin as she embarks on her Professional debut in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.
“I’m super excited to see what the future holds,” says Baldwin. “I definitely relish the fact that I get to be involved in this awesome, extreme, 10,000-horsepower sport and do it with my family.”
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The Drew Las Vegas 2020
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