Chief Information Officer (CIO)

SAHARA Las Vegas is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Information Officer (CIO) to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for enterprise-wide technology strategy, operations, and cybersecurity across SAHARA and affiliated ownership businesses.

This executive will provide hands-on leadership of mission-critical IT operations, while also driving enterprise technology strategy, cross-business integration, and digital innovation to enhance guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.

The CIO will also serve as the organization’s senior-most authority on cybersecurity and information risk, ensuring the protection of company assets, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity.

This role has direct visibility and interaction with ownership and enterprise leadership across affiliated businesses., Enterprise Technology Leadership

• Define and execute a portfolio-wide technology strategy across SAHARA and affiliated businesses
• Standardize and optimize platforms, systems, vendors, and architecture across entities
• Partner with executive leadership to drive technology-enabled business growth, scalability, and efficiency
• Lead technology diligence, integration, and planning for acquisitions, expansions, and new ventures

Multi-Property Gaming / Hospitality Responsibilities

• Provide advisory support and strategic alignment with Grand Sierra Resort and other Meruelo Group companies
• Evaluate opportunities for shared services, common platforms, and cross-property data integration

IT Operations & Guest Experience

• Maintain stable, secure, and high-performing IT operations across gaming, hotel, F&B, and enterprise systems
• Oversee infrastructure, networks, business applications, AV, and end-user support
• Ensure maximum uptime and performance of mission-critical systems
• Align technology delivery to enhance guest experience, service quality, and revenue performance
• Lead and develop a high-performing IT organization with clear accountability and service standards

AI, Data, Automation & Digital Transformation

• Lead property AI strategy, governance, and adoption including practical use cases for gaming, hospitality, marketing, operations, finance, and HR
• Drive automation and internal application delivery to reduce manual work, improve decision-making, accelerate business processes, and maximize efficiency

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Own and lead cybersecurity strategy and execution
• Maintain compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including Nevada Gaming, PCI, and related frameworks
• Direct incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning
• Serve as the primary executive responsible for technology risk management and data protection
• Provide executive-level visibility and reporting on cybersecurity posture and risk exposure, * Develop and manage IT budgets, ensuring alignment with business priorities and ROI
• Optimize vendor relationships, contracts, and technology investments
• Drive cost efficiency while supporting innovation and growth initiatives
• Ensure vendor risk, cybersecurity posture, data access, contract obligations, and operational dependencies are understood and actively managed

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in information technology within gaming, hospitality, or similarly complex regulated environments
• Proven track record leading enterprise-scale IT operations and multi-business environments
• Deep experience with casino gaming systems, hotel platforms, POS, networking, and enterprise infrastructure
• Demonstrated leadership in cybersecurity, compliance, and incident management
• Experience supporting or leading technology strategies across multiple entities or business units strongly preferred
• Experience with AI strategy, automation, data governance, analytics, and modern application delivery
• Strong executive presence with the ability to align technology with business strategy and operational performance
• Experience with sports betting, digital platforms, or guest-facing technology innovation is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; advanced degree preferred, * Hands-on, operationally strong leader with executive-level strategic capability
• Proven ability to lead through complexity, scale operations, and drive transformation
• Collaborative partner to business leaders across hotel, gaming, F&B, marketing, and ownership groups
• Decisive, accountable leader with a strong focus on performance, risk management, and execution