SKYCITY Entertainment Group appoints Chief Executive Officer

SKYCITY Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Graeme Stephens as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Stephens, 53, is the current CEO of Sun International, a casino, resorts and entertainment company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and with interests in South Africa and Latin America. He has been appointed to the role after an extensive global search following the resignation of Nigel Morrison in April.

Announcing the appointment today, SKYCITY Chairman Chris Moller says he is delighted to have secured a CEO with the gaming, hospitality and strategic leadership credentials of Mr Stephens, to take the company through an exciting new phase of development.

“Graeme has extensive experience in developing and opening world-class casinos, hotels and resorts. He has deep expertise in the gaming, hospitality, and leisure industries. His record managing a diverse and fast-growing listed company, operating in a variety of locations, makes Graeme the best person to lead SKYCITY as we progress the New Zealand International Convention Centre and Hobson Street hotel projects, redevelop our Adelaide Casino and plan the next stage of SKYCITY’s strategy,” says Mr Moller.

An accountant by profession, Mr Stephens has been CEO of Sun International since 2013. Under his leadership the company has rebalanced its portfolio and diversified into growth areas in both South Africa and Latin America. This includes the redevelopment of flagship resort property Sun City, near Johannesburg, and the construction of a new casino resort, Time Square, near Pretoria. The group operates in six countries and employs over 13,000 people.

Prior to Sun International, Mr Stephens spent seven years as Senior Vice President of New Business Development for Kerzner International, where he was integrally involved in disposing of non-core hotel assets, securing new developments for the One&Only luxury hotel brand, and developing the Atlantis Dubai and Mazagan Morocco resorts.

Mr Stephens says he is excited by the opportunities presented in his new role: “It is a real privilege to have an opportunity to join SKYCITY at a time when there are a number of large projects currently underway. It is a hugely exciting company with an impressive record in developing world-class facilities across its properties. I can see huge potential to capitalise on these developments and grow the business into the future.’’

Mr Stephens is expected to start on May 1 2017, following a move to New Zealand with his wife and two young children.  

Mr Moller confirms that Interim CEO John Mortensen will remain in the role until then, after which he has committed to stay with the company in a senior group position. “I’d like to thank John for his continued leadership and his support during this period.’’

Mr Stephens’ confirmation as CEO is subject to the usual regulatory approvals.

Click here to view Graeme Stephens' biography.