Palms Casino Resort Appoints Stephen Thayer as General Manager

Palms Casino Resort, one of Las Vegas’s biggest off-Strip properties and the first fully tribal property in the city, has announced the appointment of a seasoned casino and hospitality executive as its new general manager. The one up to the task is none other than Stephen Thayer, the Strat’s former general manager.

Thayer Has Vast Experience in the Casino and Hospitality Sector

Thayer was appointed as Palms Casino Resort’s new general manager by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), the tribal entity behind the property and an instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The new GM will step into the position on September 16 and will be responsible for overseeing all of the venue’s operations. In this position, he will bring in years of industry experience.

The casino described Thayer as a long-time hotelier and casino executive and lauded his earlier successes in driving guests and team member experience at every property he has previously led.

As mentioned, Thayer previously served as general manager of Strat Hotel Casino & Tower. In this role, he “spearheaded property enhancements, renovations, and elevating the service culture,” Palms highlighted in its release.

The hire’s earlier experience includes leading hotel operations for Caesars Entertainment, another prominent operator. During his time with that company, Thayer was responsible for managing properties in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

SMGHA Is Happy to Welcome Thayer on Board

Latisha Prieto, chair of the SMGHA, welcomed Stephen to the Palms family and praised his past exploits within the casino and hospitality sector.

His leadership style and professional accomplishments speak volumes about his ability to lead and innovate and his enthusiasm for activating on our Tribal values at Palms make him the ideal candidate to guide this wonderful property into the next chapter.

Latisha Prieto, chair, SMGHA

Thayer was likewise excited about the opportunity to join the SMGHA and lead Palms Casino Resort. He vowed to do everything in his power to make Palms “the place to stay and play in Las Vegas.”

I look forward to collaborating with the Tribe and team members for an unmatched guest experience. Creating and fostering a sense of community is at the forefront of Palms culture and I am eager to contribute to that vision.

Stephen Thayer, general manager, Palms Casino Resort

In other news, Palms Casino Resort was recently visited by a lucky player who won $2.1 million from a slot machine.