In an unexpected move Las Vegas Sands yesterday announced that effective from 1 April 2009 Michael A Leven, a member of the company’s Board of Directors since August 2004, will assume the title of president and chief operating officer, and that William Weidner is no longer with the organisation or a member of its Board of Directors. In his new role with LVS, Mr. Leven will supervise the overall operations of the company's U.S. and international locations.

At the end of last year the Board acted as mediator when there was dissension between Weidner and company founder Sheldon Adelson, but most in the gaming industry were surprised by yesterday’s move to replace Weidner, even though his contract was due to expire in December. Reacting to the news, shares in Las Vegas Sands fell around 20%, closing at US$1.77. In March 2008 the shares were worth over US$84.

Michael A Leven is a veteran hospitality executive with 48 years of experience in the business and a distinguished and well-recognized record of success. He was formerly president and CEO of US Franchise Systems, Inc., the company he founded in 1995, which developed and franchised the Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites hotel brands. He was previously the president and COO of Holiday Inn Worldwide, president of Days Inn of America, and president of Americana Hotels. He has also served on the board of directors of Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Hersha Hospitality Trust. (E-03.10.09)

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