CLAIMS TO FAME
- Global gaming experience includes stints in Macau, Australia and New Zealand
It’s been a fast ride for Paul Town, the former Macau and Australian hotel executive who has risen through the ranks at Marina Bay Sands to be the iconic integrated resort’s leading man.
Arriving in October 2019 as Senior Vice President Resort Operations, the New Zealander was quickly met by a global pandemic that saw all resort operations shut down, then in 2021 saw his main allies in the executive team, Chief Casino Officer Andrew MacDonald and long-time Managing Director George Tanasijevich, both depart for new opportunities.
Perhaps the only thing faster than Town’s ascent has been the pace of recovery MBS has exhibited post-pandemic. Already renowned as the most profitable casino-resort in the world, the company reported in July an all-time record for mass gaming win of US$580 million in Q2 – up 36% on 2019 levels – and Adjusted EBITDA that was 25% higher than pre-COVID at US$432 million. A targeted annual EBITDA run-rate of US$2 billion seems very much within reach.
Meanwhile, Town has overseen a comprehensive US$1 billion upgrade of the property’s hotel rooms and other facilities that is nearing completion, while a separate US$3.3 billion expansion is due to get underway next year.
That surely makes MBS the largest notch on Town’s belt, over and above his previous stints at Galaxy Macau and Melco-Crown in Macau and Crown Melbourne in Australia.
For the full list of 2023 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
