Australia-listed casino operator Silver Heritage Group is undergoing a number of changes at the executive level. The company recently announced the resignation of non-executive director Robert Benussi and the appointment of Michael Bassett to the same position, effective immediately. It has also named a new chief financial officer to replace the outgoing Basil Jong.
On November 5, Ben Watiwat will assume the CFO role, according to a filing with the Australian Securities Exchange. Jong is leaving “by mutual agreement with the board,” but will stay on for at least three months “to ensure an effective handover,” the company stated.
Watiwat was previously head of finance and secretary at SafetyCulture Pty Ltd., an Australian software company. He is a certified accountant with experience in corporate finance, technology and accounting, reported CalvinAyre.com.
According to James Spenceley, Silver Heritage non-executive chairman, Watiwat “has significant experience and skills in capital management, compliance, risk, tax and reporting. Ben will be a significant asset for the business going forward.”
Of his new position, Watiwat said, “The business has enormous potential and I am looking forward to working with the team to capitalize on the platform they have created.”
SVH said Benussi is stepping down as a director to focus on other business interests. “During his tenure as director, Mr. Benussi was integral in the guidance of the company through its recent capital raising and bond restructure,” said the company.
His replacement, Michael Bassett, is a former portfolio manager for the Regal Australian Small Companies Fund, reported Asia Gaming Brief. He has also worked as head of equities for Credit Suisse Emerging Companies and head of institutional equity sales at Credit Suisse Australia and has held senior positions at Deutsche Asset Management and Merrill Lynch. He is now managing director of a market consultancy business that works with boards and senior management in developing market strategies, AGB reported.
