Robert G. Goldstein has stood down as Chair and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, confirming that from 1 March 2026, he will transition into a senior advisor role at the operator.
Key to his new role and the company’s focus in the coming years will be efforts to pursue new physical development opportunities and the company’s gaming strategies.
Goldstein stated: “This company transformed the industry from a gaming-centric model to the integrated resort model and, through a different strategic approach in each market, meaningfully changed the tourism landscape in Las Vegas, Macao and Singapore.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a great team of people over the years, and I specifically want to express my gratitude to Sheldon for his support and friendship. I would also like to thank Dr. Adelson. I look forward to using the years ahead to help the team build toward another great chapter in this company’s history.”
Goldstein played an integral role in the opening of The Venetian Las Vegas and was intricately involved in its development, ultimately becoming President when it opened in 1999.
“In the beginning, we were counted out more times than I can count,” Goldstein added. “All these years later it is clear the opening of The Venetian was a turning point in the history of the Las Vegas Strip. Sheldon was widely criticized at the time, but his vision and the work we started together 30 years ago has more than stood the test of time.”
Furthermore, in 2004, Goldstein was integral to the firm’s ambitions when it came to pursuing a sale of its retail footprint. These included the Venetian and the not-yet-opened Palazzo for $1.5bn, two deals that were of major significance to the value of the Las Vegas strip.
“As one of the first employees of the company, our family has great appreciation for Rob’s leadership and the many contributions he’s made over the years. He has left an indelible mark on the history of the company, and our family will always be thankful for it,” Dr. Miriam Adelson, Co-Founder and majority shareholder of Sands, said.
“Sheldon deeply appreciated Rob’s friendship and counsel, and he would be very grateful for everything Rob has given over the past three decades.”
Goldstein placed Vegas’ evolution at the heart of his focus, playing a vital role in supporting the region’s efforts to secure support for a new world-class stadium in Las Vegas.
Along with Mark Davis, owner of the National Football League’s Raiders franchise, Goldstein’s efforts eventually were a key element in Las Vegas Raiders making its debut in a new state-of-the-art 65,000-seat stadium.
Both Las Vegas Sands and Goldstein intend for his senior advisor role to be his sole position with the company and its subsidiaries as of March 1, 2026. The company’s board of directors intends to name Patrick Dumont, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, as Chair and CEO upon Goldstein’s transition to his senior advisor role.
