Crown Resorts has announced the appointment of former SkyCity Entertainment Group CEO Nigel Morrison as a new Non-Executive Director – part of the company’s efforts to reform and refresh its board.
Pending regulatory approvals, Morrison is planned as a direct replacement for John Horvath, who pledged to stand down from the board after a substantial shareholder vote against him at the company’s Annual General Meeting in November.
Crown Chairman Helen Coonan stated at the time that shareholders had sent a clear message that board renewal was required and promised to make changes in the wake of the NSW Liquor and Gaming Authority inquiry into the company’s suitability to hold a state casino license.
In Morrison, Crown has someone with extensive experience in the industry, having served as CEO of New Zealand’s SkyCity Entertainment Group and previously as Group Chief Financial Officer of Galaxy Entertainment Group in Macau. He has also served as CEO of the Federal Group, owner and operator of Tasmania’s Wrest Point casino, and as Chief Operating Officer of Crown Melbourne Limited.
“Nigel’s extensive experience in the Australian and New Zealand casino industries as Chief Executive Officer of SkyCity together with his senior leadership positions in other major casino companies in Australia and Macau will strengthen the Board in a constantly evolving operating environment,” Coonan said.
“The Board welcomes Nigel’s contribution as we continue to implement our reform program and deliver on our other strategic objectives.”