Wynn Resorts Appointments Diversify Board

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts’ board of directors has expanded to 11 members, with the appointment of Betsy Atkins, Dee Dee Myers and Wendy Webb as independent directors. The additions are part of the company’s efforts to diversify its membership.

The appointments, which were made after a lengthy search by the brand’s nominating and corporate governance committee with the assistance of a search firm, involved interviews of solely independent candidates and advances the company’s commitment to diversify the gender, skills and experience of the board. These independent directors strengthen the board’s expertise in corporate governance, communications and public affairs, technology, strategic positioning, hospitality and branding, according to the company.

Betsy Atkins is recognized as an expert in corporate governance and digital transformation, consumer experience and technology. Her corporate governance experience includes technology, retail, financial services, healthcare, restaurants and hospitality, automotive and logistics. She is a three-time CEO and founder of Baja Corporation, an independent venture capital firm focused on technology, renewable energy and healthcare. Previously, she was CEO of NCI, a creator and manufacturer of nutraceutical foods, such as PowerBar. She also served as CEO of Clear Standards, which developed enterprise level software for energy management and sustainability.

Margaret (Dee Dee) Myers was the first woman to serve as White House press secretary, during former President Bill Clinton’s first term. She has experience in corporate responsibility, communications and corporate and public positioning. She is an executive at Warner Bros. Entertainment, where she is EVP for worldwide corporate communications and public affairs. She leads the company’s strategic communications, positioning, corporate responsibility and philanthropy programs.

Winifred (Wendy) Webb has industry experience in travel and tourism, hospitality, media and entertainment, retailing, consumer products, e-commerce and other sectors. She is CEO of Kestrel Advisors, which advises corporations on growth initiatives, governance, investor relations, and strategic issues.

Her background includes 20 years as a senior executive at The Walt Disney Company, including as SVP of investor relations and shareholder services, responsible for the company’s strategic and financial communications worldwide. She also served as executive director of The Walt Disney Company Foundation, supporting the company’s philanthropy and brand-building. She also held C-suite positions at Ticketmaster and investment firm Tennenbaum Capital Partners.

The Wynn Resorts Board now comprises 36% women, bringing Wynn into the top 40 S&P 500 companies in terms of female board representation.

“We are pleased to welcome Betsy, Dee Dee and Wendy to the Wynn Resorts Board of Directors following a thorough search process that included input from shareholders and an independent executive search firm,” said D. Boone Wayson, chairman of the Wynn Resorts Board of Directors. “We are confident that their extensive and wide-ranging expertise will provide fresh and valuable perspectives to support the company’s leadership team and business strategy.”

He continued, “To be clear, this is the first step in our effort to refresh the board. We intend to add additional new directors in the coming months. The board is committed to enhancing value for our shareholders, delivering superior experiences for customers and creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all of the company’s employees.”

Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts, said, “I am thrilled to welcome these highly qualified independent directors to our board. We have made it a priority to implement meaningful change at Wynn Resorts and are committed to elevating our corporate governance practices and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. In addition to strengthening our board, these appointments make Wynn a global leader in board diversity.”

Maddox continued, “These appointments signify a turning point for us, and I look forward to working with each of our new directors as we usher in a new era at Wynn.”

The new additions to the board and resulting change in board composition are part of a series of significant strategic changes made by the company. As previously announced, the board has launched an internal investigation, led by a third-party law firm, into the company’s awareness and response to allegations regarding its former CEO, Steve Wynn.

The company also recently appointed Corrine Clement as VP of its new culture and community department.