SkyCity names Jason Walbridge as chief executive officer

SkyCity Entertainment Group has appointed former Aristocrat and NYX Gaming Group executive Jason Walbridge as its next chief executive officer.

Walbridge will join the New Zealand based casino operator in early July from his current role as a strategic advisor to Aristocrat Leisure in its acquisition of NeoGames.

Walbridge also currently serves as chairman of National Entertainment Network, the largest amusement route operator in the United States, and was selected to lead SkyCity following an international search process.

“The Board is delighted to announce Jason’s appointment as CEO of SkyCity, and we are looking forward to the valuable contribution Jason will make to the business,” said SkyCity chairman Julian Cook. “Jason has extensive global experience in the land-based and online gaming industries, which will position him well to lead SkyCity through its next phases.”

Commenting on his appointment, Walbridge said “it will be a privilege to lead SkyCity, and I am excited to be joining the business at this time as SkyCity looks to pursue the many opportunities ahead of it”.

Interim chief executive Callum Mallett will continue to lead the business until Walbridge takes over.

Mallett has served as interim CEO since the departure of former chief executive Michael Ahearne in March. Ahearne left the business after seeing it through a number of regulatory issues since being promoted to CEO in November 2020, including the NZ$8 million (approx. €4.4 million) penalty in February for historical breaches of anti-money laundering laws.

SkyCity operates four land-based casinos in New Zealand and one in Adelaide, South Australia. It also operates an online casino in partnership with Gaming Innovation Group.

Shares in SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd (NZE:SKC) closed 0.53 per cent lower at NZ$1.87 per share in Wellington Wednesday.