SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced the resignation of its Chief Operating Officer Australia, David Christian, from his role overseeing the company’s Australian integrated resort, SkyCity Adelaide.
Christian will step aside effective this coming Friday 12 April 2024 with SkyCity Adelaide still awaiting the findings of civil penalty proceedings launched by AML watchdog AUSTRAC and a regulatory review into its suitability to retain its South Australian casino license.
He will be replaced on an interim basis by Avril Byrnes, currently the property’s General Manager Hospitality.
In a statement, SkyCity’s Interim CEO, Callum Mallet, said, “David has held a number of senior roles during his career with SkyCity since joining in 2005 and has led the SkyCity Adelaide business through a very challenging and demanding period, demonstrating strong leadership and resilience.”
The South Australian regulator announced in July 2022 that it would commission an independent review of casino operations in the state in response to the findings of inquiries in other states into the operations of Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment Group. That review was subsequently put on hold pending the outcome of AUSTRAC’s AML investigation.
SkyCity recently revised upwards its provision for a potential civil penalty to be issued by AUSTRAC from AU$45 million (US$28 million) to AU$73 million (US$45 million) after revealing the two parties have reached a settlement agreement.