Mike Leven Leaves - Anthony Godfrey Assumes President's Position At Georgia Aquarium

By Meghann Gibbons 

Atlanta, GA - Mike Leven, President and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium, has resigned to become President and Chief Operating Officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation (NYSE-LVS). Leven, a member of the Sands Board of Directors for the past five years, will move to Las Vegas and assume his new position in April. Leven will remain vice chair of the Georgia Aquarium board of directors.

Anthony Godfrey, who has been executive vice president, COO and CFO of the Georgia Aquarium since August 2008, has been named Aquarium president.  He joined the Aquarium as CFO in 2005.

Bernie Marcus, founder of the Aquarium, said, “Mike has done everything I have asked and more in the past 18 months.  He strengthened our leadership team by adding Billy Hurley and Greg Bossart; created the highly successful ‘something new every ninety days’ program, and oversaw the initial stages of the dolphin expansion program.”

Marcus added, “I have all the confidence in the world that Anthony Godfrey will continue the mission and culture of the Aquarium.  His financial acumen, understanding of special events and commitment to guest services is unparalleled.  I plan to resume my CEO role so that the leadership team can focus on operations and the many plans in store for Aquarium visitors this year. “