dwide casino resort operator MGM Resorts International has strengthened its hand in the emerging Japanese gambling market by appointing former US Diplomat Jason P. Hyland as the representative officer and president of its MGM Resorts Japan subsidiary.

In his tenure at the U.S. Embassy, Hyland oversaw American participation in the G7 Summit, President Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima, and the revision of the US-Japan Defense Guidelines and is a strong advocate for US-Japan business partnerships.

Hyland has worked closely with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Japan Business Federation, Japan Association of Corporate Executives, the US-Japan Business Council, Japan Tourism Agency, and other organizations.

In addition, MGM have reallocated a number of development specialists from the U.S. to Japan as it increases its total development staffing in the U.S. and Japan combined to more than a dozen, reinforcing MGM Resorts Japan's organizational structure as it works to build (IR) resorts in Japan.

In addition MGM Resorts Japan will relocate its office from Akasaka to Otemachi, Tokyo and open a brand-new office there later this year.

Since establishing Japanese subsidiaries in Tokyo and Osaka in 2014, MGM Resorts Japan has been providing information on the development of integrated resorts (IR) to the Japanese government, industry, and private entities among others.

In a statement announcing the appointment of Hyland, Jim Murren, chairman and chief executive officer of MGM Resorts International, commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Jason to the team, and look forward to his contributions and insights. Jason's substantial experience as senior diplomat, his deep understanding of the Japanese culture, as well as his proven leadership, negotiation skills, extensive network and strong command of the Japanese language will be a tremendous asset as we promote activities in Japan."

Ed Bowers, MGM Resorts Japan Representative Officer and CEO, added: "Opening a new office in the heart of Tokyo's business district and expanding our MGM Japan team reflect our strong commitment and determination. The new office will become our core hub as our team advances toward the realization of a resort that is uniquely Japanese."