Executive turnover at Wynn properties
Two high-profile departures rocked Steve Wynn properties on Friday.
Hours after Vegas Confidential reported that Danielle Price, director of wine at Wynn Resorts had her position eliminated, Jennifer Dunne, vice president of public relations and advertising, sent an e-mail to media outlets saying she had resigned effective Friday.
Price could not be reached for comment.
Dunne, who joined Wynn Las Vegas in 2006 after leaving Cirque du Soleil's marketing department, said in her e-mail that she has no firm plans but intends to take some time off and visit family and friends. She added that she looks forward to "the next adventure."
Dunne moved into the top PR and advertising job in July 2007 after Denise Randazzo left.
Prior to joining Wynn, Price spent almost seven years as corporate wine director managing the wine programs for Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group.
Her departure comes a month after Wynn closed his most-decorated restaurant, Alex. Price had indicated in the fall that she and her husband were building a home in Napa, Calif.
FONTANA LOUNGE RUMORS
John Meglen, president of AEG Live!, cleared up those rumblings that the sports and entertainment giant might be in talks with Bellagio about operating the Fontana Lounge.
Not happening, said Meglen.
The confusion might have something to do with AEG's relationship with Los Angeles nightlife operator SBE, which operates a nightclub in the AEG-owned Staples Center.
Word has it SBE has been in discussions with MGM Resorts properties.
SBE is owned by L.A. businessman Sam Nazarian, who bought the Sahara four years ago, with partners Stockbridge Real Estate Fund and Gordon Gaming Corp. Nazarian hinted to me more than a year ago that he had more irons in the fire in Las Vegas.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graf were in Washington, D.C., this week to film a United States Tennis Association-sponsored commercial with first lady Michelle Obama. The commercial also will support the first lady's campaign to fight childhood obesity, Let's Move!
Paris Hilton got a car from boyfriend Cy Waits for her 30th birthday on Thursday. Not your average super dooper deluxe sports car: It was a pearl white Lexus LF-A that goes for $375,000. But before it arrived, Waits had a canary yellow version roll up as cameras filmed for her new reality show, "The World According to Paris." Hilton tweeted: "So not my style."
Mirage headliner Terry Fator has invited fellow ventriloquist Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady to open his show March 4-5. Eady was a sensation at the Miss America Pageant last month at Planet Hollywood Resort. She received a huge ovation during the talent round and finished first runner-up in the 2011 Miss America Pageant.
SIGHTINGS
Matt Leinart and Nick Lachey, having lunch at Holsteins (Cosmopolitan) on Friday. Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, dining with friends at Nove Italiano (Palms) on Thursday. At Wolfgang Puck's Spago (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Thursday: Broadcast legend Dick Clark, for lunch, and NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus and UFC mixed martial artist Nate Diaz for dinner. ... Matt Sorum of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver taking in "Love" (Mirage) on Thursday. ... Gilbert Godfried, having lunch with hypnotist Anthony Cools at Mon Ami Gabi (Paris) on Thursday after being photographed with the Coca Cola polar bear. He was seen heading for Gameworks. ... Recording artist Yelawolf, who recently signed with Eminem's Shady Records label, celebrating his mother's birthday with a group on Wednesday at ghostbar (Palms), where he performed for a MAGIC gathering.
THE PUNCH LINE
"It's Paris' birthday. Lindsay Lohan gave her a necklace to hold until the heat dies down." -- David Letterman
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
