David Christian, former general manager of SkyCity Entertainment’s Darwin casino resort, will circle back to the company’s Adelaide operation after the recent sale of the SkyCity Darwin casino. Christian had held the position since June 2016. He worked in Adelaide from 2006 to 2014, and has also served as general manager at SkyCity resorts in Auckland and Hamilton.
Asia Gaming Brief reported that Christian has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, hotel and casino management in Australia and Singapore. The company’s most recent general manager in Adelaide, Luke Walker, left the earlier this month.
In November SkyCity sold the Darwin casino to U.S.-based Delaware North for AU$188 million (US$134 million).
“The sale is consistent with our strategy to sell certain non-core assets and to allocate capital to assets and businesses which we feel are better aligned with our long-term strategic objectives,” said SkyCity Chief Executive Officer Graeme Stephens.
“Selling was not an easy decision,” Stephens continued. “We’re proud of our contribution to Darwin and the Northern Territory over the past 14 years. Since we purchased the business in 2004 we’ve developed Darwin’s casino into an integrated entertainment destination, refurbishing the resort, adding new restaurants, bars and VIP facilities, a new five-star resort hotel and supporting various community events.
“So now feels like the right time to hand the baton across to a new owner to continue the next stage in Darwin casino’s journey.”
Lou Jacobs, co-CEO of Delaware North, said, “Australia has been a second home for Delaware North for 30 years,” says. “We are thrilled to have grown our business into a diversity of operations across the country, which has been possible because of our incredibly talented and diverse workforce of more than 10,000 people.
“With SkyCity Darwin, we are expanding our presence in the gaming and entertainment market. We look forward to working with SkyCity Entertainment Group to welcome their employees at Darwin to the Delaware North family.”
SkyCity will continue to use Darwin’s VIP facilities for at least two years and also retains the rights to operate an online casino with Delaware North in the future.
