Nevada Tourism Alliance

Raised in Las Vegas, Larry Ruvo is the senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. He has a unique perspective on the complexities and demands of the hospitality and gaming business in Nevada.  After working at both the Sahara Hotel and Caesars Palace during his early years in the industry, Ruvo opened the Frontier Hotel as a night manager, becoming the youngest manager at the time to oversee all hotel operations.

His focus on the wine business began in 1970 when Ruvo partnered with Steve Wynn to open a Las Vegas wine and spirits distribution company.  In 1976, he joined forces with Harvey Chaplin, who bought his company, forming Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. Serving as senior managing director of the organization since 1969, Ruvo has guided Southern Wine & Spirits to become Nevada’s largest wholesale liquor, wine and beer importer and distributor. A board member of the American Gaming Association, Ruvo also is well known for his longtime support of numerous charitable organizations, many of which deal with education and children.

He also is deeply involved in the Alzheimer’s Association, both locally and nationally, serving as fundraising chairman for Alzheimer's research and as a board member of the Las Vegas Alzheimer's Association. He is the driving influence behind the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and its annual mega-fundraiser, Keep Memory Alive.  Mr. Ruvo’s community service has led to several accolades, including the Governor’s Philanthropist of the Year Award and the UNLV President’s Medal.  In 2004, Ruvo’s professional leadership earned him the title of one of the Most Influential Businessmen of Southern Nevada.