Nigel Morrison resigns as SkyCity CEO

The SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced Nigel Morrison’s resignation as both chief executive and managing director, effective from April 29.

A press statement on behalf of the casino operator said that both Morrison and the company’s board of directors had been in ongoing, mutual discussion regarding his succession since last September.

“Nigel has done an excellent job,” stated the company’s chairman, Chris Moller. “During his tenure he has secured the extension of the company’s exclusive casino licences in Auckland and Adelaide and negotiated and managed the New Zealand International Convention Centre transaction and construction contract.”

“Nigel has also presided over unprecedented growth of SkyCity’s international business and he had the vision to develop the Federal Street precinct into an entertainment and world class dining hub for Auckland,” Moller continued. “On behalf of the board, I thank Nigel and wish him well.”

SEG’s board of directors has appointed the company’s current New Zealand COO John Mortensen as interim chief executive pending its search for a new, permanent holder of the position.

Regarding his departure, Morrison commented: “It’s an incredibly demanding job and after eight years, I’m keen to take a break. The company is in great shape with record revenues and profits and an eight year record high share price. So as a CEO it’s a good time to step down. The leadership team we have in place is very strong and I’m confident the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”