SKYCITY welcomes new CEO with traditional Maori ceremony

SKYCITY welcomes new CEO Graeme Stephens with traditional Maori cultural ceremony

SKYCITY staff and stakeholders today warmly welcomed the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Stephens, with a special powhiri – a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony - under Auckland’s Sky Tower.

Mr Stephens’ first day in the role was a memorable occasion with representatives from Auckland iwi Ngati Whatua leading the formalities, along with more than 100 SKYCITY staff.

Mr Stephens was presented with a korowai - a hand-woven ceremonial Maori feather cloak - upon his arrival, which was designed exclusively for the incoming CEO.

Mr Stephens joins SKYCITY with an impressive background in developing and opening world-class casinos, hotels and resorts, and with expertise in gaming, hospitality and leisure industries internationally. Most recently, he was Chief Executive of Sun International, a casino, resorts and entertainment company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Mr Stephens says today’s ceremony was a special and unique occasion, and he was humbled by the warm welcome.

“It’s well known internationally that New Zealanders are extremely welcoming and friendly, and I certainly experienced that first hand today. It’s wonderful to finally be in the country starting in my new role,” he says.

“SKYCITY is an exciting, diverse, innovative organisation with a number of developments in the pipeline over the coming years, and plenty of potential beyond that. It’s a real privilege to be joining at such a positive time for the business and I’m really looking forward to my future here at SKYCITY,” he says.

ENDS

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