Operator News
New Zealand – Michael Ahearne to step down as CEO of SkyCity Entertainment
By Phil - 16 October 2023
New Zealand’s SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced that CEO Michael Ahearne will step down from March 2024 before returning to Europe with his family.
Mr. Ahearne joined the company as Group COO in December 2017 before being promoted to CEO in November 2020.
SkyCity chair Julian Cook said: “Michael has led the business through a very complex and demanding period. This has included dealing with the significant fire at the New Zealand International Convention Centre and rebuild, navigating the business through COVID-19 and the recovery, and responding to regulatory matters relating to the SkyCity Adelaide business. Michael has also led significant investment and improvements in SkyCity’s compliance functions.
“Michael has worked hard to set a strong platform for the business going forward and has been tireless in seeking to do the right thing for SkyCity. On behalf of myself and the SkyCity Board, I would like to thank Michael for his leadership, commitment and dedication through his time with SkyCity.”
Mr Ahearne has previously worked for Paddy Power Betfair, as well as being COO for Aristocrat in Australia and New Zealand and filling several senior management positions at The Star Sydney.
SkyCity has begun a recruitment process for a new CEO which will consider both internal and external candidates.
