The Innovation Group has hired Michael Zhu as vice president, based in the Denver office. Zhu brings more than 15 years of experience in gaming operations and related disciplines to the company’s international practice, including eight years with Las Vegas Sands Corporation, where he directed a broad range of projects to establish and enhance the financial planning for the opening of numerous Sands China integrated resorts in Macau, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Sands Bethlehem in Pennsylvania and Sands Aviation Services. As an analytical and conceptual thinker, Zhu has established expertise in strategic planning, business analysis and financial modeling in casino, hotel, food and beverage, MICE, entertainment and retail
At the Innovation Group, Zhu oversees a diverse set of project initiatives, including feasibility and market studies, business analysis and operational optimization. His primary focus is on large-scale integrated resort developments and operations in the Asia-Pacific and European market. He already has completed high-profile assignments in Australia, Vietnam, Georgia, Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
Zhu holds an MBA degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and a B.A. degree in Philosophy from Peking University. He was a Fellow of the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii and the United States National Committee on U.S.-China Relations in Washington, D.C. He speaks fluent Mandarin and Shanghai dialect.
Kimberly Arnold, chief operating officer of the Innovation Group, said, “The expertise that Michael brings to our organization is of incredible significance to the Innovation Group and our global client base. Our firm has always been distinguished by the capabilities of our personnel, particularly when it comes to the operational experience and proficiency of our senior management. The hiring of Michael Zhu further demonstrates our ongoing commitment in this capacity.”
Added Zhu, “I was quick to recognize the opportunity and am honored to join The Innovation Group. I look forward to leveraging my experience and background to help advance our services, provide more in-depth assessments and strategic advisory services and contribute to the industry’s most notable global clients.”
