"John has a strong track record of leadership in quality hospitality environments, building impressive service-focused reputations for properties like the Clift in San Francisco and the Delano in South Beach," said Juliano. "We are very pleased to welcome him to Caesars Palace."

"This is a wonderful time to join Caesars Palace, the best-known casino resort in the world, when it continues to command international attention for its new Colosseum and property-wide renaissance," said Unwin. "Wherever I've been, we have enjoyed working with cutting-edge designers and industry innovators. I'm delighted to join the Caesars team as the property enters this new era."

Unwin currently serves as chief operating officer for Ian Schrager Hotels. A veteran hotelier, his 25-year career includes positions with Fairmont, Marriott and Westin properties.

At Schrager, Unwin is responsible for the company's portfolio of 12 hotels - located in New York, London, Miami Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He also supervises its joint-venture restaurant, bar and catering businesses, including its well-known Asia de Cuba dining establishments in London, San Francisco, New York City and Los Angeles, and Skybars in Los Angeles and South Beach.

Prior to joining the Schrager organization in 1998 as regional vice president for the company's New York City hotels, Unwin held hotel management positions from 1991 to 1998 with Fairmont Hotels. During his tenure with Fairmont, when the company purchased the Boston landmark Copley Plaza, Unwin oversaw the repositioning and major renovation of the property, receiving the Massachusetts Lodging Association's General Manager of the Year award in 1997.

From 1982 to 1991, Unwin had supervisory roles in food and beverage with Marriott hotels in Anaheim, Newport Beach and Palm Desert, California. He began his hospitality career with Westin hotels in 1979, working in restaurant and purchasing operations in Seattle, Washington.

Unwin joins Caesars Palace effective May 24, overseeing a team that includes hotel operations, food and beverage, hotel sales, spa, salon and property security departments. He replaces George Markantonis, who is leaving Las Vegas to accept a resort management position in the Middle East.

A native of Bellevue, Washington, Unwin was graduated from Western Washington State University with a bachelor of arts degree in English. He and his wife Leslie are relocating to Las Vegas from Manhattan.

Caesars Palace is the flagship resort of the gaming industry's most powerful brand. Located on 85 acres at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace currently has 2,400 hotel guest rooms and suites, 19 diverse restaurants and cafes, 140,000 square feet in meeting and convention facilities, 166,000 square-foot casino, five-acre Garden of the Gods pools and gardens, the popular Forum Shops at Caesars and 4,100-seat Colosseum theatre, which spotlights performances of Celine Dion, Elton John, Jerry Seinfeld and other top-tier talent. In 2005, the resort will open a new 949-room 26-story luxury hotel tower, bringing its room inventory to more than 3,300 keys; also slated for completion in 2005, the resort will expand its meeting facilities to 240,000 square feet.