The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has announced former PokerStars LIVE Macau marketing guru Fred Leung as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Leung replaces the recently departed Jeff Mann in the top job following the sale of the APT brand by Asianlogic Group to APT Events Private Limited, whose associates include well-known Malaysian high stakes poker player Michael Soyza.
“When the stakeholders were in the process of identifying new leadership, it was clear that Fred was the best person for the role given his prior experience and success in the Far East,” Soyza said.
“We’re ecstatic to have him at the helm and confident he will raise the Asian Poker Tour to new heights.”
Previously Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager for PokerStars Live Events, Asia, Leung spent more than 10 years developing the PokerStars brand in Macau where he oversaw some of the region’s largest events such as the Macau Poker Cup, Macau Millions and Asia Championship of Poker (ACOP). The PokerStars LIVE Macau poker room at City of Dreams was closed in 2018.
“I’m beyond excited at this opportunity with the APT which has had a strong presence in the region for over a dozen years,” Leung said.
“Our objective is to retain the Asian Poker Tour’s legacy while advancing its competitive position within Asia.
“The alignment in vision for APT arrived quickly with the new ownership group which was paramount in my decision to join the team. They’re aggressive, ambitious, and most importantly, passionate about the game of poker.”
Leung’s first assignment as APT CEO will be working alongside General Manager & Executive Tournament Director Lloyd Fontillas to ensure a successful return to Newport World Resorts for APT Philippines 2022, running from 6 to 18 September.