SkyCity Entertainment Group has appointed Amanda Youell to lead its Queenstown Casino in place of Jono Browne, who left in December.

Youell will take the reins at the Queenstown location on 10 February after an extensive career in the leisure and hospitality sector.

She joins SkyCity after seven years as head of marketing and sustainability at the Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand, where she spearheaded strategic initiatives to drive commercial innovation, guest experience and revenue growth.

Michelle Baillie, general manager of SkyCity Hamilton, said: “Amanda is the perfect fit to lead SkyCity Queenstown into its next chapter. Over the past seven years, she has been instrumental in driving Millbrook Resort’s marketing efforts and spearheading sustainability initiatives while also fostering strong relationships with the community.

“We’re confident her wealth of experience and passion for innovation will be invaluable and will add to the expertise of the current Queenstown Management.”

Youell said of her new role: “Queenstown has been my home for many years, and I’m passionate about creating memorable guest experiences while supporting sustainable growth and strengthening ties with the local community. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on SkyCity’s legacy and help take the business to new heights.”

Shares in SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd (NZE:SKC) closed unchanged at NZ$1.39 per share in Wellington Tuesday.