
SkyCity Entertainment Group has appointed Amanda Youell as the new head of its Queenstown casino in New Zealand.
Youell replaces long-term general manager Jono Browne, who left the resort in December 2024. SkyCity Queenstown, which opened in 2000, is one of just six casinos in New Zealand.
Before joining SkyCity Queenstown, Youell was the head of marketing at Millbrook Resort, one of the region’s leading golf and lifestyle venues. She will officially assume her role on February 10.
Michelle Baillie, general manager of SkyCity Hamilton, said Youell has a deep understanding of the local entertainment and hospitality market.
“Amanda is the perfect fit to lead SkyCity Queenstown into its next chapter,” said Baillie. “Over the past seven years, she has been instrumental in driving Millbrook Resort’s marketing efforts and spearheading sustainability initiatives, while also fostering strong relationships with the community. We’re confident her wealth of experience and passion for innovation will be invaluable and will add to the expertise of the current Queenstown management.”
SkyCity’s regulatory challenges
Youell joins soon after the New Zealand High Court formally imposed a NZ$4.16m (£1.96m/€2.34m/US$2.61m) on SkyCity Entertainment for breaching anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CTF) obligations in the country. The breaches were linked to the SkyCity Auckland resort, which was forced to close for five days. In addition to the Auckland case, SkyCity has been penalised in Australia over similar failings.
SkyCity Entertainment reported a NZ$140.4m net loss during what it described as a “challenging” 2024. Revenue was 0.6% higher year-on-year at NZ$861.0m. In its analysis, SkyCity said growth from non-gaming operations offset a drop in gaming revenue.
SkyCity Entertainment said that Youell will be tasked with driving commercial growth, enhancing guest experiences, and leading sustainability initiatives at the Queenstown resort.
Youell said: “I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on SkyCity’s legacy and help take the business to new heights.
“I pride myself on delivering results through strategic vision, innovation, and collaboration, as well as building strong community partnerships and empowering my team.”