MGM Resorts International announced that a new President of Entertainment and Sports has been selected to lead the company’s expanding role within the sports and entertainment marketplace.
MGM Resorts named George Kliavkoff to the position, stating that he will drive the resort’s entertainment and sports operations as well as develop and maintain partnerships within the industry.
In his new role, Kliavkoff is responsible for the operations, finance, strategy, booking, marketing, sponsorships and ticketing for MGM Resorts’ more than 30 theaters, showrooms and arenas, including T-Mobile Arena (home of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights), MGM Grand Garden, Mandalay Bay Events Center, the Mandalay Bay Beach, Park Theater, the Theater at MGM National Harbor and the MassMutual Center at MGM Springfield. Kliavkoff will be based in Las Vegas and report to MGM Resorts President Bill Hornbuckle.
“George is joining our company at an exciting time and will play a key role as we both build on existing successful partnerships as well as continue to expand our industry-leading sports and entertainment offerings,” Hornbuckle said. “His innovative approach and knowledge in the entertainment and digital world will strengthen our reputation as a company that provides world-class experiences for our guests to enjoy.”
Hornbuckle also announced that MGM Resorts was thrilled to be able to continue its important business relationship with Richard Sturm, the company’s long-serving President of Entertainment and Sports, by securing an exclusive three-year consulting agreement with Sturm’s new company, Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports. As part of that agreement, Sturm will continue to personally provide invaluable business advice and oversee key relationships for the company.
“Richard is an icon in the Las Vegas sports and entertainment world and we are thrilled to continue his relationship with the MGM Resorts family. Many of the city’s most exciting and successful events over the last two decades can be attributed to Richard’s relationships and deep industry knowledge,” Hornbuckle said.
Kliavkoff joins MGM Resorts with more than 20 years of experience leading media and entertainment strategies. He most recently served as the CEO of Jaunt Inc., an augmented and virtual reality start-up that worked with clients like NFL, NBA, MLB, Manchester United, Uber, Disney and other leading companies to develop immersive content technologies. He previously served in executive roles with top media companies, including serving as Co-President at Hearst Entertainment & Syndication, Chief Digital Officer at NBC Universal and Executive Vice President of Business for Major League Baseball Advanced Media.
Kliavkoff holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.
