MANAGING DIRECTOR
Marina Bay Sands
MANAGING DIRECTOR – GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Las Vegas Sands
POWER SCORE: 733
POSITION LAST YEAR: 17
CLAIMS TO FAME
- Instrumental in creating Asia’s most widely admired integrated resort
- Stepped back from Marina Bay Sands daily operations to focus on regional development opportunities
After nearly a decade as President and CEO of Marina Bay Sands, George Tanasijevich transitioned to the title of Managing Director in February. He handed over daily operations to longtime lieutenant Andrew MacDonald on the casino side and MBS Senior Vice President of Resort Operations Paul Town, who’s worked with Galaxy Entertainment and Crown Resorts, on the non-gaming side.
Tanasijevich remains instrumental in the US$3.3 billion expansion to create another hotel tower (and rooftop pool), a 15,000 seat arena, plus additional MICE and gaming space, as well as working on government relations, legal and compliance issues. His experience in Singapore with government-linked property developer CapitaLand was instrumental in winning the contest for the Marina Bay IR license in 2006 and creating the prototype modern urban integrated resort, proving that Sheldon Adelson’s convention-driven IR model can work in Asia.
The transition also heightens Tanasijevich’s focus on his global development role for Las Vegas Sands. He’s primarily looking at opportunities around the region, according to the company. LVS pulled out of the competition for a Japan license in May – many believe it will return if the regulations loosen or Tokyo declares its intention to host an IR – but still leaves Tanasijevich’s plate full.
LVS has long expressed interest in bringing its convention-based IR model to Korea and Vietnam, as well as seeking opportunities in other national business and financial centers.
For the full list of 2020 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
