MEDIA RELEASE
7 November 2016
SKYCITY Entertainment Group appoints Chief Executive Officer
SKYCITY Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Graeme Stephens as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Stephens, 53, is the current CEO of Sun International, a casino, resorts and entertainment company listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange and with interests in South Africa and Latin America. He has been appointed to the role
after an extensive global search following the resignation of Nigel Morrison in April.
Announcing the appointment today, SKYCITY Chairman Chris Moller says he is delighted to have secured a CEO with the
gaming, hospitality and strategic leadership credentials of Mr Stephens, to take the company through an exciting new
phase of development.
“Graeme has extensive experience in developing and opening world-class casinos, hotels and resorts. He has deep
expertise in the gaming, hospitality, and leisure industries. His record managing a diverse and fast-growing listed
company, operating in a variety of locations, makes Graeme the best person to lead SKYCITY as we progress the New
Zealand International Convention Centre and Hobson Street hotel projects, redevelop our Adelaide Casino and plan the
next stage of SKYCITY’s strategy,” says Mr Moller.
SKYCITY Chairman Chris Moller discusses the appointment of Graeme Stephens to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
An accountant by profession, Mr Stephens has been CEO of Sun International since 2013. Under his leadership the company
has rebalanced its portfolio and diversified into growth areas in both South Africa and Latin America. This includes the
redevelopment of flagship resort property Sun City, near Johannesburg, and the construction of a new casino resort, Time
Square, near Pretoria. The group operates in six countries and employs over 13,000 people.
Prior to Sun International, Mr Stephens spent seven years as Senior Vice President of New Business Development for
Kerzner International, where he was integrally involved in disposing of non-core hotel assets, securing new developments
for the One luxury hotel brand, and developing the Atlantis Dubai and Mazagan Morocco resorts.
Mr Stephens says he is excited by the opportunities presented in his new role: “It is a real privilege to have an
opportunity to join SKYCITY at a time when there are a number of large projects currently underway. It is a hugely
exciting company with an impressive record in developing world-class facilities across its properties. I can see huge
potential to capitalise on these developments and grow the business into the future.’’
SKYCITY’s Chief Executive designate, Graeme Stephens, discusses his appointment to the role.
Mr Stephens is expected to start on May 1 2017, following a move to New Zealand with his wife and two young children.
Mr Moller confirms that Interim CEO John Mortensen will remain in the role until then, after which he has committed to
stay with the company in a senior group position. “I’d like to thank John for his continued leadership and his support
during this period.’’
Mr Stephens’ confirmation as CEO is subject to the usual regulatory approvals.
ENDS