Wynn Resorts Ltd. announced on Friday that Ellen Whittemore, the esteemed legal face of the company, will be retiring in 2025 and leaving the company early next year. Whittemore, who was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame last year, will be succeeded by Jaqui Krum, the General Counsel and Executive Vice President at Encore Boston Harbor.
Wynn CEO Craig Billings praised Whittemore, stating, “Ellen Whittemore was, in the truest sense, the right person at the right time to help lead Wynn Resorts through a thicket of litigation and corporate governance changes.” He highlighted Whittemore’s track record and reputation for integrity as essential to the company during a challenging period of transition and change.
Whittemore played a critical role in stabilizing Wynn Resorts after the scandal involving former Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn in 2018. Despite the allegations of sexual harassment against Steve Wynn, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Whittemore was part of the team that resolved legal and litigation matters associated with Steve Wynn’s departure, including a recent $70 million settlement with shareholders in a class-action lawsuit.
Billings expressed his gratitude for Whittemore’s efforts, stating, “Ellen devoted her efforts to making us a better company; she succeeded, and we are thankful.” Whittemore, who also serves as secretary for Wynn Resorts Ltd., has overseen the company’s global legal affairs, philanthropic initiatives, community relations, government affairs, and sustainability activities since 2018.
She will continue to serve on the Wynn Macau Ltd. board of directors and act as a consultant to the company. Whittemore, who previously chaired the Nevada Resort Association’s board of directors, received accolades from NRA President and CEO Virginia Valentine for her significant contributions to the gaming and resort industry.
Valentine praised Whittemore’s advocacy for a strong and ethical gaming industry, stating, “Few have influenced and advanced the gaming and resort industry as significantly as Ellen Whittemore.” She commended Whittemore for her commitment to workplace culture, corporate responsibility, and governance, positioning Wynn Resorts as one of the nation’s most respected corporations.
Jaqui Krum, who will be taking over Whittemore’s role, joined Wynn Resorts in 2013 to work on gaming projects in the U.S. and abroad. She played a key role in securing a gaming license bid in Eastern Massachusetts for Wynn Resorts. Krum previously held positions at MGM Resorts International and a partner role at Glaser, Weil, Fink, Jacobs, Howard & Shapiro, LLP.
Krum, who holds a law degree from UCLA and bachelor’s degrees in political science, international relations, and cultural anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, brings a wealth of experience to her new role as General Counsel and Executive Vice President at Wynn Resorts. The company expressed confidence in Krum’s ability to continue the legacy of excellence established by Ellen Whittemore.
