Founder Profile
Kirk Kerkorian
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Kirk Kerkorian?
Kirk Kerkorian is a founder of MGM Resorts International, which was founded in 1969.
- Company founded
- MGM Resorts International
- Founded
- 1969
Background
Kirk Kerkorian (1917-2015) flew aircraft for the Royal Air Force Ferry Command during World War II, then built the charter carrier Trans International Airlines before moving into Las Vegas real estate.
Founding Story
Kirk Kerkorian was an American investor who opened the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969, took control of the MGM film studio the same year, and opened the original MGM Grand in 1973. He later formed MGM Grand Inc. in 1986, opened the 5,005-room MGM Grand in 1993, and through his holding company Tracinda remained MGM's controlling shareholder for decades. He died in 2015 at age 98.
Kerkor "Kirk" Kerkorian was born on June 6, 1917 and died on June 15, 2015. He ran his investments through Tracinda Corporation, his private holding company in Beverly Hills. Kirk Kerkorian was born in 1917.