36 Michael Mecca
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Galaxy Entertainment Group
POWER SCORE: 781
POSITION LAST YEAR: 33
CLAIMS TO FAME
Played a key role in establishing Galaxy Macau’s impressive reputation
More than 30 years’ experience in the hotel and gaming industry
Galaxy Entertainment Group’s former Chief Operating Officer and President Michael Mecca stepped down from his roles in May, taking on a three-year board role as a non-executive director instead. But don’t think he is any less influential at Galaxy just because of the title change.
Six months on and Mecca remains a central figure in the company’s push for expansion outside of its Macau stronghold. One of his first achievements after taking the role in 2015 was to finalize the acquisition of a 5% stake in Monte Carlo-based Societé des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Étrangers à Monaco (SBM), whose properties include Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris, not to mention a range of luxury hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.
That acquisition has formed a tight strategic partnership with SBM that has seen them join forces in pursuit of the big one – a Japan casino license. Just a few weeks after announcing his move to the Galaxy board, Mecca was front and center at this year’s Japan Gaming Congress – leading discussions on the company’s Japan IR vision, sweet-talking media and meeting key stakeholders to push the Galaxy-SBM cause.
It is rumored that Galaxy has impressed Japan government officials with their plans for Japan – if that proves to come true via the granting of a Japanese IR license it may well be Mecca’s crowning achievement.
For the full list of 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
