Interim Foxwoods head chosen as president and CEO

Jason Guyot, who has led Foxwoods Resort Casino as interim chief executive officer through nearly all of the changes associated with COVID-19, has been chosen as the gaming center’s new president and chief executive officer.

Officials with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced Guyot’s promotion in a press release Tuesday eveving. Guyot has nearly 20 years of resort management experience as a gaming and hospitality executive, according to tribal officials, who said his work leading Foxwoods through the pandemic was one of the reason he was appointed to his new role.

Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, said Guyot is the casino’s first Pequot CEO.

“What Jason has done over the past 12 months has been remarkable, taking the helm of Foxwoods at the onset of the pandemic, building safety guidelines from the ground up to ensure guests feel safe, and championing a new kind of culture for our team members,” Butler said in a statement. “There is simply no one more qualified, passionate or worthy to advance our growth strategies and position Foxwoods for a brighter, successful future.”

Guyot became Foxwoods’ interim chief executive officer in April 2020, after serving as senior vice president of resort operations operations for 12 years. He led Foxwoods’ COVID-19 response efforts and developed its safety measures.

Guyot said being appointed to his new position at Foxwoods is “a role that means everything to me,” The Stonington resident started his Foxwoods career as an employment and diversity manager.

“I've been very fortunate to have been afforded the unique opportunity to begin and advance my career at Foxwoods, driven by my desire and passion to learn and grow, personally and professionally,” Guyot said. “As a tribal member, I'm equally grateful for the opportunity to contribute toward the future success of our tribal nation. I remain personally invested in and fiercely committed to the ongoing growth of our resort, as well as our team members and tribal members.”

Guyot’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Foxwoods.

With the casino set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, the tribal nation is negotiating with Connecticut officials to determine how they will participate in an agreement to provide sports wagering and online gaming. The Mohegan tribe, which operates the Mohegan Sun casino and resort, has already signed on to the agreement.