Amaya Executive Steps Down to Help Gain NJ License

Paul Leggett, vice president of online for Amaya Gaming Group, stepped down to help the firm’s approval for New Jersey online gambling.

Leggett was formerly the COO of Tokwiro Enterprises, which owned both UB and Absolute Poker. Both sites were caught up in “Black Friday” in 2011 when the U.S. Department of Justice moved to shut down internationally based online poker sites illegally operating in the U.S.

Both sites folded and many players were unable to recoup their accounts.

Leggett only joined Amaya this year. Smith Joins SLS Las Vegas as Hotel VP Hospitality veteran Albert Smith will take the reins as vice president of hotel operations when the new SLS Las Vegas opens in the fall of 2014.

According to a statement from SBE, the Los Angeles company behind the property, Smith brings 17 years of luxury hospitality experience to his new role, along with a strong background in operations, sales and finance, the company said. He will develop and oversee multiple departments responsible for enhancing the guest experience, including front desk, housekeeping, bell and valet services.

Most recently Smith was regional director of operations for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where he was responsible for seven properties in Southern California. He has also managed several hotel properties for Kimpton and Viceroy Hotel Group, including the Hotel Palomar Los Angeles-Westwood and Viceroy Santa Monica.