LORENZO CREIGHTON is the newly appointed president of MGM Grand Detroit. – Andre Smith photos
The doors are clearly not shut for Blacks in the gaming industry.
Lorenzo Creighton, a gaming executive is testimony to what some are recognizing as a clear indications that African Americans are seizing more prominent roles in an industry that once had very few Black executives.
Creighton was recently named the first Black president of the MGM Grand Detroit Hotel and Casino. He also made history in Las Vegas as the first Black president of the Flamingo Hilton.
Creighton has an extensive background. He led MGM’s New York Hotel and Casino and has worked in casino operations for more than 10 years, including leading the Mississippi and the Iowa Gaming Commissions.
“In this position you do a little bit of everything,” said Creighton. “From understanding the political lay of the land, reviewing legal documents, using my legal background and resolving human resources matters. Having worked in the banking industry helps me to understand the profit-loss statement. My background as a judge helps me understand people. My regulatory background helps to make sure we are in compliance with the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s rules and regulations.
A native of Iowa, Creighton’s background ranges from teaching to gaming to law. He is a graduate of Luther College and Drake University Law School.
Creighton said he believes in empowering employees to perform their duties efficiently, leaving him free to focus on fulfilling his tasks as president.
“We have great employees,” said Creighton. “We have to make sure that we maintain the standard of quality for MGM Mirage, that’s the primary goal. And also profitability, we want to be sure that the casino is profitable well into the future, it means so much to the city of Detroit to do very well.
Creighton also has Detroit ties.For a period, he worked in Detroit and he has family here, including siblings, nieces and nephews.
In October 2007, MGM Grand Detroit opened its permanent casino that stretches from Michigan Avenue to Grand River off First Street. The casino features high-end restaurants including Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak and Saltwater and Wolfgang Puck Grille. The $800 million casino and hotel offers more than 100-million square feet of gaming space.
Featuring several lounges and bars, MGM Grand Detroit adds to the city’s nightlife. The 400-room hotel now serves as a major entertainment destination for Detroit.
“At MGM Mirage its critical for us to maintain our reputation where do business, we are the pinnacle gaming company, There are not any other companies better than this, so it’s critical we maintain the image because that’s what we sell.
Prior to the casino’s opening, many celebrities would stay in hotels in surrounding suburbs, but the MGM Grand Detroit has attracted them, providing entertainment, shopping and dining options.
As president, Creighton is responsible for overseeing the operations of the company and its nearly 3,000 employees.
“The key is to have good people and entrust them to do their jobs and not micromanage,” he said. “I have learned that over the years, as long as you have good department heads they’ll take care of their departments. You manage it from the 30,000 square foot view down and do the things that move the business forward.”
Creighton is very employee-driven.
“It’s important that people are treated fairly and honestly,” he said. “I would expect that people would treat me that way, so I would expect that our employees are treated no differently.”
He added that MGM Mirage provides diversity training for all of its employees.
“MGM Mirage is a global company and we invite the world here. When they come, we want them to feel comfortable and respected. For this company, diversity is good business,” Creighton said.
