Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has announced the strengthening and expansion of its Japan IR team with four new executives unveiled at a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Alongside former Melco Resorts COO Ted Chan, who was appointed Galaxy’s new Chief Operating Officer – Japan Development last month, the company has also hired former government IR advisor Satoshi Okabe as General Manager, James Takagi as Head of Commercial and Ayumi Takagi as Head of Media Relations and Planning. Current executive Yukio Isa’s role will change to Advisor, Japan Development.
The new executive team was on hand this week as Galaxy revealed more details about its plans for a Japanese IR alongside its partner, Monaco casino operator Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, which would include “a consortia of local partners.”
Although refraining from singling out any preferred location following recent confirmation that three casino licenses will be issued under the government’s IR Implementation Bill, GEG board member and Senior Advisor Michael Mecca said that it would build a “world-class Japan-inspired entertainment destination promising an authentic experience unlike anything seen in any other market worldwide.
“We want to display the transformative power of integrated resorts,” Mecca said.
“We believe that we are the only consortia to offer a truly integrated resort with the breadth and scale of a world-class experience that extends far beyond gaming.
“A truly exceptional IR must have diversity in its non-gaming offerings so even the entertainment must be diverse. That means hosting popular musical acts, cultural events showcasing international performances plus cultural activities from within Japan to showcase Japan to international visitors.”
Mecca said that Galaxy would lean on its success with flagship property Galaxy Macau to build an IR that was “palatial and iconic,” adding that “GEG has been talking to all of the cities and are very interested in all of Japan.”
Speaking publicly for the first time since joining Galaxy, Chan said that the company’s IR content would be inspired by culture and technology with a distinct local flavor.
“Japan content is very important due to the great culture and history of Japan,” he said.