Fertitta Entertainment Names Nicki Keenan COO as Tilman Fertitta Serves as US Ambassador

Longtime Landry's executive to oversee operations across entertainment empire while founder takes on diplomatic role.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Fertitta Entertainment, the company behind the Landry's portfolio of restaurants, casinos, and hotels, has appointed Nicki Keenan as its new Chief Operations Officer. Keenan, a 20-year veteran of the company, will oversee all operations as Tilman Fertitta, the founder and owner, continues to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

Why it matters

Fertitta's appointment as ambassador means he has stepped back from day-to-day management of his vast entertainment and hospitality empire. Keenan's promotion to COO ensures operational continuity and strategic leadership as Fertitta Entertainment navigates this transition.

The details

In her new role, Keenan will be responsible for overseeing the Landry's portfolio, which includes numerous restaurant chains, casinos, and hotels across the United States. Keenan has held various leadership positions at the company over the past 20 years, most recently serving as Chief Revenue Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales.

  • Fertitta resigned as CEO of Fertitta Entertainment in March 2025 after being confirmed as ambassador.
  • Keenan was appointed as COO of Fertitta Entertainment on January 30, 2026.

The players

Nicki Keenan

A longtime executive at Fertitta Entertainment who has been appointed as the company's new Chief Operations Officer.

Tilman Fertitta

The founder and owner of Fertitta Entertainment, who has resigned as CEO to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

Patrick Fertitta

The director of Fertitta Entertainment, who praised Keenan's leadership and experience in announcing her promotion to COO.

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What they’re saying

“Nicki is a proven leader with deep institutional knowledge of our brands and a long-standing commitment to operational excellence. As we continue to evolve and innovate across all sectors of our business, her strategic vision, passion for hospitality, and decades of experience make her the natural choice to guide our next phase of growth.”

— Patrick Fertitta, Director of Fertitta Entertainment (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Keenan will immediately begin overseeing operations across Fertitta Entertainment's diverse portfolio of restaurants, casinos, and hotels as Tilman Fertitta continues his diplomatic duties as US Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

The takeaway

Fertitta Entertainment's appointment of Nicki Keenan as COO demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining operational excellence and strategic leadership during Tilman Fertitta's transition to a diplomatic role. Keenan's deep experience and institutional knowledge will be crucial as the company navigates this change in leadership.