LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts
International (NYSE: MGM) honors the memory of Kirk (Kirkor) Kerkorian, the company's founder,
who passed away last evening. On June
6, he had turned 98.
Mr. Kerkorian was a quiet but powerful force behind the
transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into one of the world's most
popular tourist destinations, through the development of the
International, MGM and MGM Grand. He was also a generous
humanitarian who donated hundreds of millions of dollars to
charities worldwide.
"MGM Resorts and our family of 62,000 employees are honoring the
memory of a great man, a great business leader, a great community
leader, an innovator, and one of our country's greatest generation,
said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO
of MGM Resorts International. "Mr. Kerkorian combined brilliant
business insight with steadfast integrity to become one of the most
reputable and influential financiers of our time," Murren said.
"Personally, he was a friend and coach, who taught me the
importance in looking forward, and to look back only to understand
how things could be done better," Murren concluded.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and his
many business associates."
Mr. Kerkorian owned Beverly Hills-based Tracinda Corporation, a
private investment firm. He was a founding member of the Board of
Directors of MGM Resorts, and had served with distinction as
Director Emeritus since 2011.
He is survived by two daughters, Tracy
Kerkorian and Linda Ross Hilton
Kemper, and three grandchildren. He is preceded in death by
his parents, Ahron and Lily
Kerkorian.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts
International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global
hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort
brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.
The Company is in the process of developing MGM National Harbor in
Maryland and MGM Springfield in
Massachusetts. The Company also
owns 51 percent of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM
Macau resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai,
and 50 percent of CityCenter in Las
Vegas, which features ARIA Resort and Casino. For more
information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's
website at www.mgmresorts.com.
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SOURCE MGM Resorts International