There have been a few changes in the executive lineup at Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Michael Mecca, president of Galaxy since 2015, has resigned from that role, but will remain with the company as a board member and director of Monte-Carlo SBM. Mecca will also serve on Galaxy’s Japan development committee.
Ted Chan has been brought on as Galaxy’s new chief operating officer for Japan development. According to Asia Gaming Brief, Chan will be based in Tokyo and is regarded as a significant boost to Galaxy’s effort to win an IR license in Japan.
Chan formerly worked for Melco where he led the development of Macau’s City of Dreams complex. It was widely speculated that he might join SJM Holdings upon the retirement of gaming titan Stanley Ho later this year.
In a press release, Galaxy Vice Chairman Francis Lui said, “I am delighted to welcome Ted to GEG and I am confident that he will add significant value to our existing team and successfully drive the execution of our Japan international expansion ambitions.” He said Chan will help “in taking the company to its next phase of growth.”
A note from brokerage Sanford C. Bernstein gave thumbs-up to Galaxy’s latest move: “While Mike Mecca has been leading the effort on international development opportunities, including Japan, the time was ripe to put a seasoned well experienced executive on the ground to heighten the effort as legalization moves potentially closer to fruition.”
