Three executives have departed Kazuo Okada’s Manila casino project, according to a report in GGRAsia.
The project, originally known as Manila Bay Resorts, was recently rechristened Okada Manila in honor of the Japanese billionaire, whose Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment Inc. is building the property in Manila’s Entertainment City economic zone. The $TK billion venue is slated to open in November.
“Tiger Resort and Okada Manila has recently realigned our strategic focus,” said a statement from the company. “Due to this realignment, two senior marketing executives, Bruce Himelfarb and Steve Chan, have recently tendered their resignation. We wish both Bruce and Steve success in their future endeavors.”
The statement continued, “In addition, after more than two years with the company, Matt Hurst, executive vice president casino operations and marketing has decided to pursue alternative opportunities. We wish Matt all the best and we are grateful for all his contributions to the company.”
Hurst could not be reached for comment, but reportedly left the company’s employ on July 15. He joined the company in December 2013, after working as vice president of gaming machines for Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd.’s Cotai resort City of Dreams Macau. Prior to that, Hurst was director of slot operations at Wynn Macau.
Himelfarb was senior vice president of casino marketing for Tiger Resort, according to the company. No information on Chan’s title or responsibilities with Tiger Resort was offered by the company.
In related news, Philippine media report that Okada wants to pursue public-private partnerships in the Philippines to build new infrastructure that could boost tourism. “Mr. Okada expressed his desire to be able to bid for the international airports. He believes that the airport is your first contact with the foreign tourists,” Antonio Cojuangco, Okada’s joint venture partner in developing the 44-hectare (109-acre) casino told the Manila Times.
