One of Dubai’s most high-profile and successful hoteliers is joining the UAE’s first casino resort.
Tom Roelens, managing director of Atlantis Dubai (which includes both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal), is moving to Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort.
He will become chief operating officer at the integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which will house the UAE’s first casino.
In a post on LinkedIn, he said: “I am honoured and excited to join Max Tappeiner and the Wynn Al Marjan Island team.
I am thankful to Craig Billings and Max for the opportunity and look forward to working with this world-class team to expand Wynn Resorts to a new territory as the first gaming operator in the UAE.”
He is joined by another two new hires at the resort, who he also congratulated on their roles.
Sherri DeSalvio joins as vice president of pre-opening planning and strategic initiatives, while David Patent is vice president of casino operations.
They join the recently appointed president Max Tappeiner.
Wynn Las Vegas said: “Wynn Al Marjan Island, a new architectural landmark in the UAE set to open in 2027 and developed with local partners Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC., adds three key executives to its growing executive team.
“COO Tom J. Roelens, Executive Vice President of Casino Operations David Patent and Vice President of Pre-Opening Planning and Strategic Initiatives Sherri DeSalvio join the integrated resort currently under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. These esteemed hospitality and gaming veterans will report to Wynn Al Marjan Island President Max Tappeiner.”
Roelens will oversee the resort’s non-gaming operations, while Patent will be responsible for gaming operations. He was previously CEO of analytics and business intelligence solutions provider VizExplorer and held senior management roles at three different Caesars Entertainment properties in Las Vegas and the Midwest.
​​Sherri DeSalvio will develop and execute key strategic initiatives. Her career with Wynn began in 2008, and she has held progressive roles in hotel sales and convention operations while also managing various high-impact special projects.