MGM International names Bill Hornbuckle acting CEO; Jim Murren steps down amid coronavirus outbreak MGM Resorts International, the parent company of MGM Springfield, announced Sunday that CEO Jim Murren has stepped down. Bill Hornbuckle, a longtime MGM executive, has been named acting CEO and president of the company, replacing Murren. The decision was made amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, which has significantly impacted operations of the gaming company as well as others in the travel and entertainment industries. “I fully support accelerating the planned leadership transition to help MGM Resorts address the rapidly changing environment,” Murren said. “I have great confidence in Bill Hornbuckle and the management team to lead MGM Resorts at this critical juncture, as we have together through numerous hardships of the past. I will continue to dedicate my efforts to help during this uncertain time, and I will be assisting the State of Nevada in its crisis response and recovery efforts.” All three Massachusetts casinos — MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park and Encore Boston Harbor — were shut down due to the ongoing public health crisis last weekend. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to close the gambling floors and hotels with the gambling operations on March 14. In addition Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak on Friday ordered all non-essential businesses in the state to shut down for 30 days, effectively closing all Las Vegas casinos. MGM Springfield also closed it garage to the public. All three casinos committed to paying workers during at least the first two weeks of the shutdown. MGM Springfield has about 2,500 employees. Murren announced in February that he would step down prior to the expiration of his contract. He served as chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International since 2008. He has been with the company since 1998. He was a frequent visitor to Springfield, both before and after the casino opened in August 2018. “I have enjoyed a fine working relationship with Jim Murren and thank him for his commitment to the City of Springfield," Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said in a statement following his announcement in February. "I wish him and his family well during this period of transition. My administration will continue to work with Mr. Murren and his team until his successor is named. I look forward to working with the new Chair and CEO as we continue to move our MGM Springfield forward.” In January, MGM Springfield president and chief operating officer Michael Mathis and vice president and chief financial officer Courtney Wenleder both left the Springfield casino. MGM Springfield reported $21.9 million in gross gaming revenue in February, it’s highest revenue number since $22.2 million in May of 2019. It also beat MGM Springfield’s revenue number of $21.5 million a year ago in February 2019. Encore reported gross gambling revenues of $52.5 million in February 2020. Plainridge reported 11.7 million in slots revenue and it has no table games in February 2020. In January, Encore Boston Harbor recorded $48 million in gross gaming receipts; MGM Springfield took in $20.6 million in gaming revenue; and Plainridge Park reported nearly $11 million in slots revenue. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/03/mgm-international-names-bill-hornbuckle-acting-ceo-jim-murren-steps-down-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html