INSPIRE Entertainment Resort has announced the departure of CEO Chen Si, to be replaced by seasoned Korean executive Gyubum Ko. According to information released early Monday morning, Ko will step into the role from 1 December 2025 with Chen to remain in office until the end of November 2025, “working closely with the incoming CEO to ensure a smooth and seamless leadership transition”.
IAG understands a separate announcement detailing Chen’s next career move will become public in the coming days.
INSPIRE describes Ko as an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of proven leadership and management capabilities in global markets. It claims he is “known for his ability to steer multinational B2C businesses with strong reputations in Korea” and brings a “valuable combination of international perspective and deep local market understanding”.
His career has seen him hold senior leadership positions at global FMCG and healthcare companies including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew and Stryker. He was also CEO of Medit and served as an independent board member of Jeisys Medical, a cosmetic medical device company.
“I am truly excited to join INSPIRE at such a dynamic time of growth in the global casino and integrated resort industry,” Ko said. “Drawing on international experience and customer insights gained in diverse business environments, I look forward to working closely with INSPIRE’s talented team to drive innovation, deep customer engagement, and deliver long-term value for our guests, employees, and stakeholders.”
Ohsang Kwon, Partner at Bain Capital, Seoul – the lender that earlier this year took control of INSPIRE after former owner Mohegan defaulted on its term loan – added, “Under the leadership of CEO Chen Si, INSPIRE has successfully opened and achieved a number of key milestones during its initial ramp-up phase. The resort welcomed four million visitors in its first year of operation and has established itself as a leading entertainment destination for staycationers, tourists, convention guests and global music fans. We sincerely thank Chen for his outstanding leadership over the past three years and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
“We are confident that Mr Ko’s leadership, combining international experience and deep market insight, will further enhance that momentum. Bain Capital is excited to continue working closely with INSPIRE’s management team to continue investing in the resort’s long-term growth and operational excellence.”
Chen first joined INSPIRE as COO in August 2022 and oversaw its opening in late 2023 before guiding the property through its change of ownership earlier this year.
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