Bill Hornbuckle

He leads a portfolio that includes the Bellagio and MGM Grand, while also driving digital expansion through BetMGM. His net worth is estimated to be between $40 million and $60 million, reflecting his decades of executive compensation, bonuses, and significant stock holdings in MGM (NYSE: MGM).

Early Life and Academic Roots

Hornbuckle grew up in a modest, working-class family in Connecticut. Attending Catholic high school shaped his strong work ethic, as his family faced financial challenges with tuition. This background instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and opportunity.

Focused Education in Hospitality

Hornbuckle specifically pursued an education tailored to the service sector. He moved to Las Vegas to attend UNLV. He graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration. The UNLV program provided practical training and real-world exposure, giving him crucial skills in management and guest services. This academic foundation immediately launched his career in the fast-growing casino environment.

The Ascent to MGM Leadership

Hornbuckle’s professional journey is a textbook example of a self-made executive in the gaming industry. He started from the ground up, gaining critical frontline experience.

Key Roles Before CEO

In the late 1970s, Hornbuckle began his career as a bartender and food server at properties like Caesars Palace. By the early 1980s, he secured managerial roles. He later joined Mirage Resorts in 1989. There, he helped open The Mirage, a property that changed the Las Vegas landscape.

His promotions within MGM began after the company acquired Mirage in 2000. He held several major roles:

• President and COO of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino (2005–2009). He focused on expansion and operational improvements.
• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for MGM Resorts (2009–2012). He created the M life Rewards loyalty program and led digital marketing efforts.
• President and COO of MGM Resorts (2012–2019). He managed global operations and international development.

Leading MGM Through Crisis and Growth

MGM appointed Hornbuckle as the acting CEO in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the industry. He officially became CEO in July 2020. Hornbuckle successfully led the company’s recovery. He guided MGM to achieve a strong rebound, reporting $16.2 billion in revenues for 2024.

He currently drives three major growth strategies:

1. Digital Gaming: He expanded the company’s digital footprint through BetMGM. This joint venture has claimed a major share of the US sports betting market.
2. Global Expansion: He manages significant projects, including the large MGM Osaka integrated resort set to open in Japan around 2030.
3. Property Strategy: He focuses on profitability, including the sale of assets like MGM Northfield Park for $546 million.

Recognition and Personal Life

Hornbuckle’s professional impact has earned him important industry and community honors. He received the UNLV Hospitality Alumnus of the Year award in 2012. Later, he earned the inaugural Battle Born Legacy Award in 2024 for his work boosting Nevada’s tourism economy.

He is married to Wendy Hornbuckle. The couple has two children. Hornbuckle keeps his family life largely private while maintaining strong community ties in Las Vegas. The Hornbuckle Family Foundation supports education, health, and economic development, reflecting his commitment to philanthropy. He advocates strongly for responsible gaming and market innovation across the industry.