source: pixabay.comFollowing the recent management change at SkyCity, Crown Resorts has announced the appointment of former SkyCity Entertainment Group CEO Nigel Morrison as a new non-executive director to the Crown Board.
The move comes as Crown resorts look to refresh and reform its board and Morrison is regarded as a direct replacement for the outgoing John Horvath, who decided to stand down from the board at the end of last year.
In October 2020, Crown Resort Chairman Helen Coonan pledged changes to the board after shareholders made their dissatisfaction clear during its Annual General Meeting. Two directors immediately stood down, including former Executive Chairman John Alexander. Another three directors saw large votes cast against their re-election but were saved due to the support of James Packer’s Consolidated Press Holdings (CPH) which has 36% of the voting power.
Nigel Morrison, a graduate of the University of Melbourne, is an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience in the gambling industry. Before his tenure as SkyCity Entertainment Group CEO, Morrison was the Group CFO of Galaxy Entertainment Group. Morrison also held positions as CEO of the Federal Group and COO of Crown Melbourne Limited.
“Extensive Experience in the Australian and New Zealand Casino Industries
Crown chairman Helen Coonan said of the Morrison appointment:
“Nigel’s extensive experience in the Australian and New Zealand casino industries as chief executive officer of SkyCity together with his senior leadership positions in other major casino companies in Australia and Macau will strengthen the board in a constantly evolving operating environment,”
“The board welcomes Nigel’s contribution as we continue to implement our reform program and deliver on our other strategic objectives.”
Nigel Morrison, who is expected to join the Crown board immediately once regulatory approval has been granted, added:
“I’m excited to be joining Crown, one of the great homegrown public companies in Australia. Crown has a track record of investing in premium assets and delivering outstanding customer service with entertainment venues that rival the best in the world.
“I look forward to working with the board to contribute to Crown’s ongoing success.”
