Foxwoods Names New CEO

MASHANTUCKET, CT—The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council has named tribal gaming executive John J. James as the new President and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, according to a release from the Tribe. James currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Morongo Casino Resort & Spa of Cabazon, California. He'll take the helm August 12.

James succeeds Felix D. Rappaport, whose death in June of 2018 led to Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler taking over as the resort’s interim CEO, the statement reads.

With over 25 years of "highly successful Native American gaming resort operations experience, James is uniquely positioned to lead Foxwoods into its next evolution as the premier entertainment destination in the Northeast," the statement from the Tribe reads. "His expertise and vision will help build on Foxwoods’ solid foundation and maximize the tremendous growth opportunities that lie ahead."

Butler said that with James' “proven track record," he's the "right leader to continue that commitment to our guests, fulfill our vision and ignite our passion for delivering a resort that excites and surprises." Butler said James "perfectly represents our team’s values and beliefs, and we are ready to drive the future of Foxwoods together.”

In announcing the appointment, the Tribe described James’ "deep expertise across key business units including finance, innovative marketing and award-winning design and development allows him to take a 'whole-brained' approach to growth and profitability."

Prior to joining Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, James was Chief Executive Officer for Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. where he led the tribe’s three casinos in achieving the highest recorded earnings in the State of Arizona. He also held chief executive roles at Seminole Gaming, Inc. and Pechanga Resort and Casino. Additionally, James served as a Vice President and General Manager for various successful Station Casinos properties in Las Vegas.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, James attended the University of Nevada where he graduated from the accounting program. As he assumes his new role at Foxwoods, he and his wife Giselle will be relocating to Mystic.

“Foxwoods is the premier destination in the Northeast and a pioneer in the tribal gaming community, and I’m thrilled to be joining their stellar team,” James said.