Imperial Pacific International has confirmed the departure of IPI (CNMI) Chairman Mark Brown, stating that he “will be missed” after three years with the Saipan casino developer.
Brown told Inside Asian Gaming over the weekend that he had stepped down from his role in late December, having first joined IPI’s Saipan unit Best Sunshine as CEO in 2014. He subsequently stepped aside as Best Sunshine CEO in February 2017 – around five months before casino operations were moved across to soft-opened Imperial Pacific Resort – to become non-executive Chairman of IPI.
In a statement, IPI said that Brown “has made the decision to retire from his current position to pursue other projects closer to his family in the mainland United States. His last working day for IPI CNMI was on December 20, 2017.
“As one of the most prominent and respected leaders in the gaming industry for over a quarter century, the company is proud to have had Mr Brown in its leadership team for the past three years. Mr Brown’s leadership and expertize were a major contribution to the company’s success.
“Shortly after the completion of the Best Sunshine Live Temporary Casino in September 2015, Mr Brown transitioned away from day-to-day operations to focus on fundraising, partnerships and governmental relations. During those past two years of working closely with governments and local groups, Mr Brown forged deep bonds within the CNMI community. While Mr Brown may be moving on from the Saipan project in a professional capacity, he will always remain a trusted friend and citizen of our Saipan family.
“The board would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Brown once again for his commitment to the company and wish him well in his future endeavors.”