The Light Group Hires Mark Lefever & Promotes Michael Rea

LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Light Group, one of the United States' leading hospitality, development and management companies, renowned for shaping the nightlife landscape on the Las Vegas Strip, is pleased to announce two exciting changes to its executive staff.  Long-time Light Group employee Michael Rea has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Mark Lefever has been hired to fill the role of Chief Financial Officer.  Both Rea and Lefever will oversee the operations and finances, respectively, for The Light Group's 15 food and beverage venues within the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio Resort & Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and ARIA Resort & Casino.    

Rea's relationship with Andrew Sasson, co-owner of The Light Group, began in 1995.  In 1997, Sasson and Rea collaborated on the opening of their first nightclub in New York City.  Over the last several years, he has played an integral role in The Light Group's finance and operation team, and with over two decades of hospitality experience, Rea was the clear choice to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer for all venues.

Lefever joins The Light Group's executive staff with over 20 years of financial and operations experience including The Desert Inn, Trump 29 Casino, and, most recently, Fontainebleau. Lefever spent several years implementing the Fountainbleu Las Vegas' pre-opening activities including strategic/business plan, recruitment, critical path, procurement, hiring all levels of staff and selection of all systems which included CRM, CMS, table games, slots, race & sports and poker.  Lefever's experiences make him a perfect fit as The Light Group's new Chief Financial Officer.

"The Light Group's executive staff features an eclectic mix of professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds. With these executive changes and combining the expertise of our staff, The Light Group is able to sustain and grow its business amidst a competitive industry atmosphere," commented Andy Masi, co-owner of The Light Group. "We are excited for Michael to continue his success in his new role with the company. We are also thrilled to have Mark on board and look forward to his future contributions to our team."

ABOUT THE LIGHT GROUP:

The Light Group is one of the United States' leading hospitality development and management companies, renowned for shaping the nightlife landscape on the Las Vegas Strip.  Founded by Andrew Sasson and Andy Masi, the company manages and operates 15 food and beverage venues within the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio Resort & Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and ARIA Resort & Casino. The Light Group's portfolio expanded in December 2009 to include five new venues at ARIA at CityCenter: HAZE Nightclub, The Deuce Lounge, The GOLD Lounge (in partnership with Cirque du Soleil), Liquid Pool Lounge and UNION Restaurant & Lounge. 

SOURCE The Light Group