New Zealand-based operator SkyCity Entertainment has appointed Jason Walbridge as its next CEO, with his tenure expected to begin in early July.
Until then, the company confirmed that interim CEO Callum Mallett will continue to fill the role while Walbridge relocates back to New Zealand from the U.S. and fulfills all regulatory requirements.
Walbridge currently serves as a gaming industry consultant as well as executive chairman of National Entertainment Network, a leading U.S. amusement machine supplier.
He previously spent nearly two decades at Aristocrat in both the U.S. and New Zealand, where he held an array of various middle- and upper-management positions.
Prior to joining SkyCity, Walbridge was also advising Aristocrat with regard to its recent acquisition of NeoGames, and he spent time at Light & Wonder and NYX Gaming Group.
In a statement, SkyCity Chairman Julian Cook said that Walbridge “has extensive global experience in the land-based and online gaming industries, which will position him well to lead SkyCity through its next phases.”
Walbridge will join SkyCity at a critical point, with the company bracing for fines and potentially other regulatory penalties in New Zealand and Australia for anti-money laundering violations and other shortcomings.
Longtime CEO Michael Ahearne resigned in early March, and current CFO Julie Amey announced she will step down in September.
