Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc (TRLEI), operator of Okada Manila in the Philippines, has appointed Nobuki Sato as its next president and chief operating officer.
Effective 15 September, Sato will succeed Byron Yip, who is stepping down after seven-years to pursue other opportunities.
Sato currently serves as senior executive officer and chief financial officer of TRLEI parent company Universal Entertainment Corp, the Japanese manufacturer of pachinko, slot and arcade machines and other gaming products.
Sato has served on the TRLEI board of directors since March 2023 and brings over 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, finance, and strategic operations.
Tomohiro Okada, president of Universal Entertainment Corp, said: “Byron Yip’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing Okada Manila as a leading destination in the region, exemplified by our achievement of the Forbes 5-Star rating – the largest Forbes 5-star Integrated Resort in the Philippines to receive this distinction for the sixth consecutive year – and the successful execution of key expansion initiatives.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation for Byron’s contributions and are pleased that he will continue to support the organisation to ensure a seamless transition. We are confident that Nobuki Sato’s proven expertise in operational and financial management will guide Okada Manila into its next phase of strategic growth and innovation.”
Yip will continue to oversee daily operations and support the leadership transition until Sato takes over in September.
Shares in Universal Entertainment Corp. (TYO:6425) closed 4.85 per cent lower at ¥981.00 per share in Tokyo Friday.