The CEO and president of Foxwoods Resort Casino, Felix Rappaport passed away unexpectedly on 18 June at the age of 65.
“On behalf of the entire Tribal Council, Foxwoods management team and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to Felix’s family,” said Rodney Butler, the Mashantucket chairman, in a statement. “With his passing, we have suffered a major loss. Felix’s passion for modernising and growing Foxwoods, as well as his friendship, mentorship and humour touched everyone who worked with him.
“We are confident that Felix’s legacy will live on as we continue to push forward on the vision he set.”
Rappaport arrived at Foxwoods in February 2014 following a long career at casinos in Las Vegas.
He had previously worked for a number of well-known names in the industry including Station Casinos, Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company, The Mirage, and Treasure Island.
He also served as president and COO of The Mirage, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur, while working for MGM Resorts International.
Named SVP and COO of Foxwoods, he took over as president and CEO nine months later, succeeding Scott Butera.
“I’m tremendously saddened by his passing,” said Butera, speaking to the media. “He was an outstanding individual, personally and professionally. One of my happiest days at Foxwoods was when he agreed to join our team. He’ll be sorely missed.”
In a statement, the Mashantucket Tribal Council said it “will consider how to best resume Rappaport’s strategic plan for growth in the days ahead with a continued focused on the property’s long-term vision”.
