SkyCity Entertainment selects Jason Walbridge for CEO role

The largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company in New Zealand, SkyCity Entertainment Group, announced an important senior-level hire. On Wednesday, the company confirmed it appointed Jason Walbridge to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The executive brings more than two decades of experience to SkyCity Entertainment, making him a vital addition to the company's C-suite.

As CEO of SkyCity Entertainment, Walbridge is expected to play a key role in the expansion and future growth of the company. He brings extensive experience accumulated through years of hard work and dedication.

Walbridge has an MBA in International Management from the Auckland Institute of Studies. Throughout his professional career, he held important senior-level roles within the land-based and online gaming industries. Moreover, Walbridge has experience in consulting with recognizable companies such as Ernst & Young. He was also an Officer with the New Zealand Defense Force.

Although it was announced recently, Walbridge's appointment will be in effect as of early July 2024. This will coincide with the time he will return to New Zealand. In the meantime, according to Julian Cook, SkyCity Entertainment's Board Chair, Collum Mallett will continue to hold the role of interim CEO.

In a statement, Cook commented on the topic by saying: "I'd like to thank Callum for his continued leadership and his support during this period." Not unexpectedly, Walbridge's appointment as CEO is subject to relevant regulatory approvals, which is standard practice for the gambling sector.

Cook revealed that the company's 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." Additionally, the Board Chair said: "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."

The incoming CEO was just as excited to join SkyCity Entertainment. 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."

Currently, Walbridge holds other important senior roles with recognizable companies within the gambling vertical. The executive serves as a Strategic Advisor with Aristocrat Leisure Limited, providing strategic guidance for its proposed acquisition of NeoGames. Moreover, Walbridge is National Entertainment Network's Executive Chairman. His appointment to the United States' largest amusement route operator came after a prolonged international search that ultimately identified him as the best person for the job.

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