The closing comes after Apollo gained licensing approval earlier this month following two somewhat contentious hearings in front of Nevada gaming regulators in which questions were asked of the company about the private equity firm’s relationship with controversial founder Leon Black and its former ownership of Caesars Entertainment. “We have an exciting opportunity to build on our past successes while capturing future opportunities,” Markantonis said.

He said the “institutional knowledge and capabilities” of both the management team and the 8,000-person workforce means the strategies and direction for the property will continue.

The property’s executive leadership team will also remain on board. Markantonis continues in his position as chief executive of the new operating company. That role didn’t change following Wednesday afternoon’s closing of the $6.25 billion sale of the Strip resort complex by Las Vegas Sands to private equity firm Apollo Global Management and real estate investment trust VICI Properties. George Markantonis has spent seven years as the top executive overseeing the day-to-day operations of The Venetian, Palazzo and Venetian Expo Center.