SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced a trio of internal appointments to its senior leadership team, which will become effective from February 1, 2021, following a review of its ongoing executive structure.
This has seen Callum Mallet become chief operating officer of New Zealand, subsequently gaining responsibility for all business in the country and the day-to-day operations of SkyCity Auckland.
Elsewhere, David Christian, currently general manager of SkyCity Adelaide, is to be promoted to the role of chief operating officer for Australia, as part of which he will continue to lead the aforementioned venue.
Furthermore, Matthew Ballesty, SkyCity’s executive general manager of gaming, is to occupy the role of chief casino officer, gaining responsibility for managing operations at the company’s flagship Auckland property as well as providing strategic directions on all gaming products across the entire group.
The company also updates that it will soon be celebrating 25 years since its largest property, the aforementioned SkyCity Auckland, first opened its doors to the public on February 2, 1996.
Coinciding with the anniversary, the group will be hosting a free ‘90’s themed Federal Street Party on Friday 29 January 2021, which will boast line up of Kiwi artists from the era.
Ahead of the event, Michael Ahearne, CEO of SkyCity Entertainment Group, addressed the role the company in the local community: “Through the SkyCity Auckland Community Trust we’ve distributed over $49m to more than 2,500 community groups.
“We’ve backed the Blues, the Warriors, Breakers and the Mystics to name a few and we’re incredibly proud to partner with Emirates Team New Zealand’s for the 36th America’s Cup.
“Our charity partnerships include Leukaemia Blood Cancer New Zealand, and Variety – The Children’s Charity and we light the Sky Tower to raise awareness for dozens of deserving causes each year.
“While COVID-19 has made us a domestically focussed business for now, we’re optimistic about the return of international tourists and will play a leading role in the recovery of the New Zealand tourism sector.”
SkyCity says that it is carefully monitoring New Zealand Ministry of Health advice on large events, and will respond if circumstances change.
