Former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren says he "loves" Las Vegas, the people at MGM Resorts and the gaming industry – but isn't planning to return to the sector.

Speaking to Las Vegas Inc, of the Las Vegas Sun, Murren spoke about life since leaving MGM Resorts, now leading a COVID-19 taskforce in Nevada.

The executive spoke on a number of topics, suggesting 2022 will see "a very rapid snapback" in consumer activity in the US, also expressing his surprise that Las Vegas Sands is looking to sell its properties in Las Vegas.

However, Murren says he has no plans to return to gaming, appreciating the fact MGM Resorts let him leave his role earlier than planned, to run his new taskforce.

He is quoted as saying: "One of the really important lessons I’ve learned – and tried to instill during my 22 years – is to reduce barriers of upward mobility. People have a tendency sometimes to stay too long, whether that’s in sports or business.

"I loved every bit of my role. I can’t say it was always a fun job because we went through some incredibly stressful times as an industry and as a company, but I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. For now, I think I’m in the right place, helping the state more holistically."

While Murren was at MGM Resorts, he spoke exclusively to Gambling Insider for the US CEO Special in 2019, while his successor at the operator, Bill Hornbuckle, spoke to Gaming America for the US CEO Special this year.