Mashantucket — Robert Hayward, former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Gaming Commission and younger brother of Richard “Skip” Hayward, the former tribal chairman credited with envisioning Foxwoods Resort Casino, has been named the tribe’s state government affairs manager.

The tribe announced Robert Hayward’s appointment Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Robert’s return,” Rodney Butler, the current tribal chairman, said in a statement. “Not only does Robert bring a wealth of experience, but also an in-depth knowledge of our history and development of Foxwoods Resort Casino — the first Class III gaming facility ever built on a reservation.”

Hayward, 52, helped establish the tribe’s gaming commission and served the commission as a member and chairman. He also helped craft the tribe’s revenue-sharing agreement with the state, the tribe said.

The agreement, under which the Mashantuckets forward 25 percent of Foxwoods’ monthly slot-machine winnings to the state, has resulted in nearly $4 billion in payments since 1993.

Hayward also served as executive assistant to his brother, who left the tribal council at the end of his final council term, which ended in January 2005.

Since then, Robert Hayward has worked in a construction business he owns, according to the tribe.

During his tenure with the tribe, “Robert worked tirelessly with local, state, and federal officials and agencies to develop positive relationships and ensure excellence in regulatory oversight at Foxwoods Resort Casino,” the tribe said. “As state government affairs manager, Robert is a liaison to local and state officials, legislators, agencies, gaming and tribal representatives.”

Hayward’s appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Bill Satti, who left in February to take a job with a California tribe.

Thirty years ago, Hayward was part of the team that built the Mashantuckets' high-stakes bingo facility, a forerunner of Foxwoods.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com