Cliff Atkinson to Lead The STRAT from November 9
Atkinson moves from Fremont Street Experience, where he served as president and CEO since February.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Casino
Locals who ride Fremont Street and the Strip corridor will see a familiar name at the top of The STRAT: Cliff Atkinson takes over as president of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower on November 9, owner Golden Entertainment confirmed. Atkinson leaves his post as president and CEO of Fremont Street Experience, which he had held since February.
Why it matters
The STRAT is a major north Las Vegas Strip-adjacent resort property, and its leadership change puts a executive with downtown experience in charge of day-to-day operations on the Boulevard. The move ties together two of the valley's biggest hospitality operators at a time when resort staffing and visitor traffic remain central to the local economy.
The STRAT's 2,427 rooms and 80,000-square-foot casino are the scale Atkinson now runs, following $400 million in annual revenue and a $40 million improvement plan he oversaw at Luxor. The source does not say what improvements or revenue targets he will pursue at The STRAT.
The players
Cliff Atkinson
Hospitality executive named president of The STRAT, with prior leadership roles at Fremont Street Experience, Luxor, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Golden Entertainment
Owner of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, which acquired the property in late 2017 and made the leadership appointment.
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown Las Vegas entertainment district that Atkinson led as president and CEO until his move to The STRAT.
The details
Golden Entertainment named Cliff Atkinson president of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, where he will oversee all aspects of the property's operations. Atkinson joins from Fremont Street Experience, where he served as president and CEO since February. He previously held president roles at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and was president and COO of Luxor Hotel & Casino. Golden Entertainment acquired The STRAT in late 2017, and the property includes an observation tower described as the tallest freestanding tower in the United States.
Timeline
February: Atkinson became president and CEO of Fremont Street Experience.
2014: Atkinson received the Nevada Hotelier of the Year award.
November 9: Atkinson takes over as president of The STRAT.
Late 2017: Golden Entertainment acquired The STRAT.
Beyond the Strip
Atkinson's Luxor record, including a $40 million room-improvement plan, is the closest precedent for what he may bring to The STRAT's 2,427 rooms. His move from downtown's Fremont Street Experience to a north Strip-adjacent resort also reverses the usual path of executives leaving Las Vegas properties for the downtown district.
If you visit The STRAT for dining, gaming, or a room stay, expect the same operations under new management starting November 9. Any changes to service or amenities will be announced by the property as they happen.
The takeaway
Watch The STRAT over the next several months for any changes Atkinson makes to operations or amenities. Residents can track the property's announcements directly as the new president settles in.
What happens next
Atkinson takes over as president of The STRAT on November 9.
Further reading
For more on the valley's gaming scene, browse our Casino coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TravelDailyNews International.
