Key points:
- The Hon. Martin Pakula will join Crown Melbourne’s Board on 1 May 2025 and succeed Ian Silk as Chair on 1 July 2025
- Pakula has a background in government and has previously served as Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events in Victoria
Crown Resorts has announced that The Hon. Martin Pakula will join the Board of Crown Melbourne, effective 1 May 2025. Pakula will succeed Ian Silk as Chair on 1 July 2025.
Silk’s time as Chair included guiding Crown Melbourne through developments, which led to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission reinstating its licence.
Pakula has held several senior roles in the Victorian Government, including Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. He is currently Chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Pakula’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Both Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth are making leadership and partnership moves, with Crown Melbourne announcing Martin Pakula as its new Chair, while Crown Perth secures AFL star Harley Reid as a partner.
David Tsai, Crown Resorts CEO, stated: “Martin's appointment comes at an exciting time as Crown continues to focus on innovation and growth. I look forward to Crown benefiting from Martin’s extensive industry and leadership experience.
Good to know: Ian Silk’s leadership has included overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation efforts and the restoration of its licence by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
"I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ian for his exceptional leadership and the pivotal role he played in overseeing Crown Melbourne’s extensive transformation.”
Ian Silk, Crown Resorts Chair, added: “It has been an honour to serve as Chair. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the past two and a half years, and I want to thank everyone at Crown Melbourne for their dedication and hard work.
"I’m confident Crown Melbourne will continue to thrive with Martin’s leadership.”
