Crown Resorts appoints John Borghetti AO as Chair

Crown Resorts has announced a major leadership change, with John Borghetti AO set to take over as Chair of the renowned integrated resort and entertainment group from 1 July 2024. This move comes as current Chair William McBeath prepares to step down, while remaining on board as an independent non-executive director.

McBeath, who assumed the role in 2022 following Blackstone’s acquisition of Crown, played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s transformation and efforts to ensure regulatory compliance. Under his leadership, both Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney successfully retained their operating licences, with significant progress made in remediating issues at Crown Perth.

Expressing confidence in Borghetti’s capabilities, McBeath stated, “Mr Borghetti is a highly respected director and executive with a wealth of operational, leadership, and governance experience. His appointment will ensure that Crown continues to prioritize safe and responsible operations while enhancing the overall entertainment experiences for our guests.”

With over 47 years of experience in the aviation industry, Borghetti brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his achievements in the aviation and tourism sectors.

Borghetti emphasized the Board’s commitment to upholding compliant, safe, and profitable operations while strategically positioning the business for future growth. This leadership transition follows Crown Sydney’s recent successful retention of its casino licence, following a significant AU$200m investment in operational improvements.

However, Crown Resorts has faced challenges, including a recent investigation by Victoria’s casino regulator into allegations against CEO Ciaran Carruthers and the announcement of 1,000 job cuts in April. Despite these hurdles, the company remains focused on delivering exceptional gaming experiences while ensuring regulatory compliance and responsible gaming practices.