SkyCity Entertainment, an Australian-based gambling, entertainment and hospitality company, has announced that Michael Ahearne will step down as CEO in early 2024.
Ahearne joined SkyCity Entertainment in December 2017 as its COO, before being appointed as CEO in November 2020.
Prior to this, Ahearne was the Director of Product and Innovation at Paddy Power Betfair and the COO of Aristocrat.
A spokesperson for SkyCity Entertainment said: “Michael has been with us for six years, leading the company through incredibly difficult situations, responding to the NZICC fire, and navigating the business through the complexities of COVID-19.”
Ahearne will continue to lead the company until March 2024, while the Board of Directors at SkyCity undergo an internal and external search for a new CEO.
On the decision, Ahearne said: “Today I announced that after spending six years with the organisation, I will be stepping down as CEO of SkyCity at the end of March 2024.
“It has been an honour leading SkyCity over the last six years and I’m proud of the work we have accomplished during this time.
“While there will be plenty of time for goodbyes, I want to say thank you to all my wonderful colleagues, it is a privilege leading such a remarkable team.”
Of course, not everything has been smooth sailing at SkyCity Entertainment in recent months.
Earlier this year, Dini Soulio, the South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, ordered SkyCity Entertainment to hold an independent review of its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and host responsibilities at SkyCity Adelaide.
Following the investigation, SkyCity Entertainment was notified that it may receive a temporary suspension of its licence.
