Fremont Street Experience CEO to Resign in November
Cliff Atkinson will leave his post on November 6, 2026, as the board begins an immediate search for a replacement.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Casino
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The Fremont Street Experience will be under new leadership following the resignation of president and CEO Cliff Atkinson, effective November 6, 2026. Atkinson served in the position for less than a year, and the organization's board of directors is now beginning an immediate search for his successor.
Why it matters
The Fremont Street Experience is a vital economic driver for Downtown, and the departure of another chief executive within a single year marks a period of leadership turnover for the tourist attraction. The organization must now secure a replacement to provide stability for the entertainment corridor.
This transition follows a tenure of less than one year for Cliff Atkinson, a sharp contrast to his predecessor Andrew Simon, who led the organization for five years before resigning in November 2025. The board is now tasked with finding a successor.
The players
Cliff Atkinson
He is the outgoing president and CEO of the Fremont Street Experience.
Andrew Simon
He served as the president and CEO of the Fremont Street Experience for five years.
Fremont Street Experience
It is the board-governed entertainment entity located in Downtown Las Vegas.
The details
The board of directors is immediately initiating the search for a new president and CEO to manage the Fremont Street Experience. Cliff Atkinson, who previously led Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for two years, will officially vacate the office on November 6, 2026. The search process will determine the future leadership for the downtown attraction.
Timeline
Andrew Simon resigned from the organization in November 2025.
Cliff Atkinson assumed the role of president and CEO in February 2026.
Cliff Atkinson's resignation is effective November 6, 2026.
Beyond the Strip
This departure marks the second leadership change for the downtown attraction in twelve months, following the November 2025 resignation of Andrew Simon. This rapid succession highlights a shift in governance at the Fremont Street Experience compared to the five-year tenure seen previously.
As the Fremont Street Experience searches for new leadership, downtown visitors and employees should watch for updates regarding future programming and operations. The board of directors is expected to conduct the search through the remainder of the year.
The takeaway
The Fremont Street Experience faces an immediate search for its next chief executive following the resignation of Cliff Atkinson. Residents should monitor for board announcements regarding the new hire as the organization transitions to its next phase of leadership in Downtown.
Further reading
For more news on local gaming and tourism leadership, see our Casino coverage.
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