The Palms hotel-casino has announced the appointment of Kevin Glass as its new general manager, as stated by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority on Monday.
Glass, aged 48, assumes this position after serving as the assistant general manager since March. He previously held the role of vice president of hospitality at the property for over three years. In 2023, the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association honored him with the title “Hotelier of the Year.”
“My primary focus will be on enhancing our service culture, further nurturing our talented staff, and introducing innovative ways to surprise and delight our guests,” Glass stated on Monday. “We continually seek to improve the guest experience.”
His appointment follows the exit of the previous general manager, Stephen Thayer, who served in the role for less than a year.
Glass comes with over 20 years of experience in the Las Vegas hospitality industry. Prior to his tenure at the Palms, he was the general manager of Downtown Grand hotel-casino for nearly six years. His background includes management roles at Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, The Cosmopolitan, SLS Las Vegas (now Sahara), and Monte Carlo (now Park MGM).
In his new role, Glass will supervise operations at both the Palms and Palms Place. These properties are owned and operated by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, representing the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation. The tribe acquired the Palms from Red Rock Resorts in 2021 for $650 million.
“Along with his extensive experience, Kevin brings a deep passion to this role,” expressed SMGHA Chairperson Latisha Prieto in a statement. “Kevin has been a part of our team since we embarked on the journey of acquiring the Palms. His commitment to the team, guest experience, and our tribal culture makes him the perfect fit to lead Palms and Palms Place.”
Glass has a long-standing connection with the property, which dates back to its opening in 2001. Reflecting on his new position, he expressed gratitude to lead “a property that has been crucial to my career and journey,” adding, “I have witnessed the dedication and passion of our team firsthand, and I look forward to leading with that same enthusiasm.”
The Palms is currently one of two tribal-owned casinos in Las Vegas. It is the only one actively operating, while the Seminole Tribe of Florida prepares to reopen the former Mirage in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas, featuring the under-construction Guitar Hotel.
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