The transformation of Crown Resorts continues in earnest with the company announcing veteran hotel executive Simon McGrath as new CEO of Crown Sydney and Group Head of Hospitality.
McGrath, who will commence his employment on 1 February 2022, replaces Peter Crinis in the top job, with the latter having stepped down as Crown Sydney CEO in July after 24 years with the company.
It remains to be seen whether Crown’s Barangaroo casino will be operational by then, with Crown Sydney having been found unsuitable to hold its casino license in February following the infamous Bergin Inquiry. It has since been working with the NSW gaming regulator to return to suitability.
However, non-gaming facilities have been operational since December 2020 with the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority recently extending three interim liquor licenses for the property until June 2022.
McGrath is currently CEO of Accor Pacific, which oversees 397 hotels with 18,000 employees across the region. He has worked in the tourism and hospitality sector for three decades and has previously held senior executive positions in hotel groups including Southern Pacific Hotels (SPHC) and Rydges Hotel Groups, Crown said.
His new role will see him report directly Crown Resorts CEO and Managing Director, Steve McCann.
“We are very excited to welcome Simon to the executive team at Crown, to lead our newest Australian resort in Sydney and oversee our hospitality offer,” McCann said.
“Simon is a highly regarded executive who will bring to Crown his wealth of experience in the operation of luxury hotels and global hospitality businesses. With Simon’s stewardship, we are confident that Crown Sydney will set the standard of excellence for all of our customers and guests.”
