In Memoriam: Kirk Kerkorian, Founder of MGM Resorts International

Kirk Kerkorian
Photo by EarlyVegas via flickr

The founder of MGM Resorts International, Kirk Kerkorian, has died at age 98. Kerkorian is credited with being a silent force behind the transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into the tourist attraction it is today. Through his development of the International MGM and MGM Grand, the Las Vegas Strip began to flourish.

"MGM Resorts and our family of 62,000 employees are honoring the memory of a great man, a great business leader, a great community leader, an innovator and one of our country's greatest generation,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. "Mr. Kerkorian combined brilliant business insight with steadfast integrity to become one of the most reputable and influential financiers of our time, “said Murren.

Mr. Kerkorian owned Beverly Hills-based Tracinda Corporation, a private investment firm. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of MGM Resorts, and had served with distinction as Director Emeritus since 2011.