Palms in Las Vegas Names New GM

Posted on: September 15, 2025, 02:23h. 

Last updated on: September 15, 2025, 02:43h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Restaurants, Vegas Myths Busted.
  • Kevin Glass has been named as the new general manager for the Palms Las Vegas
  • Glass is no stranger to the Palms, having worked there from 2001-2005 before returning to the property in 2021
  • Glass replaces Stephan Thayer, who resigned as GM in June

The Palms in Las Vegas has appointed a new general manager. Kevin Glass was promoted to the position from assistant GM, according to a press release from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (formerly the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians), which has owned the off-Strip casino resort since purchasing it for $650 million from Red Rock Resorts in December 2021.

Kevin Glass had two careers at the Palms. The first spanned 2001-2005, and the second started in 2021. (Images: LinkedIn and Shutterstock)

As general manager, Glass will oversee all operations at both Palms Casino Resort and Palms Place, the adjoining condo-hotel tower.

“As much experience as Kevin brings, equally as important is that he brings heart to this role,” said Latisha Prieto, chair of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (the business arm of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation) in an official statement.

Glass — named “Hotelier of the Year” in 2023 by the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association — began his hospitality career in 1997 as a front desk agent at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino (now Park MGM), rising to hotel operations supervisor before joining the Palms in 2001 as its revenue, reservations, and leisure sales manager.

“Kevin has been with us since day one of our journey to becoming owners of Palms,” Prieto added. “His devotion to the team, guest experience, and our tribal culture makes him the ideal leader for Palms and Palms Place.”

Glass left the Palms in 2005 for senior roles at the following Las Vegas properties:

  • Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch (2006–2009)
  • The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (2010–2013)
  • SLS Las Vegas (2014–2015, now Sahara Las Vegas)
  • Downtown Grand (2016-2021)

“Having been part of the Palms family from its very beginning and again through its incredible new chapter with the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication of our team,” Glass said in the same announcement. “I look forward to leading with that same spirit as we continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests and a workplace our team members are proud to call home.”

In June 2025, the Palms announced its separation from its former GM, Stephan Thayer, who had served for less than a year after arriving from The Strat. No reason for the departure was publicly disclosed. Thayer succeeded Cynthia Kiser Murphey, who resigned in June 2024 after nearly three years overseeing the resort.