Operator News
Cyprus – Melco tasks CEO of Tigre De Cristal to lead it into Cyprus
By Phil - 10 May 2018
Melco Group has announced that Craig Robertson Ballantyne will lead its its foray into Europe as the newly appointed Property President of City of Dreams Mediterranean and Casinos, Europe’s largest integrated casino resort set to open in 2021.
With extensive experience of over 40 years in the gaming and entertainment industry, Mr. Ballantyne is responsible for business development activities and the opening and operations of the temporary and four satellite casinos.
Craig Ballantyne will act to ensure ICR operations are conducted in compliance to Cyprus legislation and regulations. Furthermore, he will oversee City of Dreams Mediterranean’s management and employees, across all spheres of operations, to deliver a world-class Melco experience for all guests.
“I am honoured that Melco has entrusted me with this challenging project,” Mr. Ballantyne said, commenting that he will be working closely with the relevant authorities in Cyprus to establish a world-class development for Cyprus and the wider region.
With a career spanning 40 years, Mr. Ballantyne possesses a wealth of experience in the international gaming and entertainment industry. Before undertaking the position of Property President of City of Dreams Mediterranean, Mr. Ballantyne served as Chief Operating Officer, Russian Operations of Summit Ascent and was appointed General Director of G1 Entertainment Limited Liability Company (formerly known as First Gambling Company of the East Limited Liability Company), in which Summit Ascent holds a 60 per cent equity interest since November 2014.
He joined Ladbrokes,the United Kingdom, in 1972, and was promoted as casino manager within four years. Since 1979, Mr. Ballantyne served in his capacity as general manager of several casino properties for Ladbrokes plc. and Stakis Casinos. From 1990, he managed casinos and resorts in various countries around the world as Poland, Russian Federation, Lebanon, South Africa and Greece.
Melco won the license to operate an integrated casino resort in Limassol, and up to four satellite casino premises in the country for a term of 30 years, in June last year.
“Melco International is very pleased that its vision for the creation of the first casino resort in the Republic of Cyprus corresponds to the government’s aspirations for a world class development that is unique to Europe, a landmark for Cyprus but also the wider region,” the company said back then. “The company is confident that its solid track record and unique experience in creating the most spectacular integrated resorts in Asia can meaningfully contribute to the economy and tourism of Cyprus,”
