David Christian, the top executive overseeing SkyCity Entertainment Group’s Australian business, has revealed his plan to leave the company after almost two decades. His exit will become official on April 12, 2024.
Christian’s professional journey commenced at Federal Group, where he dedicated over 20 years refining his hospitality administration expertise in diverse positions, encompassing Assistant Executive Manager, Resident Manager, and Manager on Duty. Notably, he held the General Manager position at the renowned Wrest Point Hotel Casino from 1999 to 2004. In 2005, Christian joined SkyCity as the General Manager of their gaming establishment in Hamilton.
Throughout the subsequent ten years, Christian’s guidance led him to oversee numerous significant properties, including SkyCity’s casinos in Auckland and Adelaide. He also provided his knowledge as the Group Gaming Advisor from October 2014 to August 2015. In June 2016, Christian resumed a more operational function, managing various casinos within the SkyCity portfolio before taking on the Chief Operating Officer role for Australia in February 2021.
Avril Baynes, currently heading SkyCity Adelaide since November of the previous year, will assume the interim Chief Operating Officer responsibilities following Christian’s exit.
Callum Mallet, SkyCity’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, commended Christian’s input, remarking, “Since becoming a part of SkyCity in 2005, David has held a range of high-level positions throughout his time here and has demonstrated strong leadership and adaptability in navigating the SkyCity Adelaide business through difficult and demanding times.”
SkyCity Entertainment Group is experiencing a significant restructuring of its leadership team. Michael Ahearne, the current CEO, previously revealed his intention to leave in March and will formally exit his position in October. Furthermore, Christian Tril, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, is also departing. Although the company expressed gratitude for Tril’s contributions, his exit comes after a series of other executive transitions, such as the naming of a new Chief Information Officer in the preceding month. These substantial shifts in leadership suggest that SkyCity is preparing for a transformative period.
