The newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the tallest occupiable building in Nevada, is facing a leadership crisis as four of its top executives have left the company since its debut on December 13, 2023.

VP of marketing resigns after less than a month

The latest departure is Markus Kohn, the vice president of marketing, who resigned on January 23, 2024, after less than a month on the job. Kohn was responsible for overseeing the branding, advertising, and public relations of the resort, which boasts 3,900 rooms, 36 food and beverage outlets, and 550,000 square feet of meeting space.

Kohn’s resignation comes as a surprise, as he was one of the key figures behind the successful grand opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which was attended by local government officials, community dignitaries, and national VIPs. Kohn also helped launch the resort’s loyalty program, Bleau Rewards, which offers guests exclusive benefits and perks.

According to sources close to Kohn, he decided to leave the company due to personal reasons and has not announced his next career move.

Three other executives left in December

Kohn is not the only executive who has left Fontainebleau Las Vegas in a short span of time. In December 2023, three other senior leaders also exited the company, raising questions about the stability and direction of the resort.

The first to leave was Colleen Birch, the chief operating officer, who announced her departure on December 15, 2023, just two days after the grand opening. Birch was instrumental in designing the resort’s meeting and event space, which she claimed was “designed with planners in mind”. Birch also oversaw the resort’s operations, including its 96,500-square-foot luxury boutique retail district, its 55,000-square-foot spa, and its 14,000-square-foot fitness center.

Birch did not disclose the reason for her departure, but said she was “proud of what we have accomplished at Fontainebleau Las Vegas and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team”. She was replaced by Jeffrey Soffer, the chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development, the parent company of Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

The second executive to leave was Michael Peltyn, the vice president of hotel operations, who resigned on December 22, 2023, after less than two weeks on the job. Peltyn was in charge of managing the resort’s 3,900 rooms and suites, which range from 550 to 4,000 square feet and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and smart technology.

Peltyn cited “personal and family reasons” for his resignation, and said he was “honored to be part of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas team and to witness the historic opening of this magnificent resort”. He was replaced by David Feder, the former president and COO of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, who has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

The third executive to leave was John Unwin, the vice president of casino operations, who quit on December 29, 2023, after only 16 days on the job. Unwin was responsible for overseeing the resort’s 100,000-square-foot casino, which features more than 1,500 slot machines, 150 table games, a high-limit salon, and a sports book.

Unwin did not give a specific reason for his departure, but said he was “thrilled to be part of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas family and to help launch the most exciting casino on the Strip”. He was replaced by Scott Sibella, the former president and COO of MGM Grand, who has more than 25 years of experience in the gaming industry.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas remains optimistic despite challenges

Despite the loss of four key executives, Fontainebleau Las Vegas remains optimistic about its future and its position as the newest luxury resort and meeting space on the Strip. The resort has received positive reviews from guests and critics alike, who have praised its elegant design, its innovative amenities, and its personalized service.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas also claims to have a strong pipeline of bookings for 2024, especially from the meetings and events segment, which is expected to rebound as the pandemic subsides and travel restrictions ease. The resort has also announced several new partnerships and initiatives, such as hosting the Billboard Music Awards in May 2024, launching a new nightclub in June 2024, and collaborating with celebrity chefs and artists to create unique dining and entertainment experiences.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the culmination of a nearly 20-year dream of Jeffrey Soffer, who conceived the idea in 2005 as an opportunity to extend the iconic Fontainebleau name beyond its Miami Beach heritage. The resort was originally scheduled to open in 2009, but was stalled by the global financial crisis and legal disputes. Soffer reacquired the property in 2021, in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments, and invested $3.7 billion to complete the project.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas stands as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and luxury, and aims to redefine the hospitality industry for the 21st century.