Crown names MGM Resorts executive David Tsai as its Perth property's CEO

Australian casino heavyweight Crown Resorts announced Tuesday the appointment of MGM Resorts executive David Tsai as CEO of Crown Perth, subject to regulatory approval.

Tsai is the latest in a series of recent namings by Crown as part of its path to suitability, including its new CEO Ciarán Carruthers, joined by Mark McWhinnie as CEO of Crown Sydney, and Ian Silk, who was recently appointed Chairman of Crown Melbourne.

The new Crown Perth CEO brings nearly two decades of integrated resorts experience to the property, having spent the last 15 years with MGM. Most recently, he served as MGM's President Midwest Group, where he led the overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations of MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan, and MGM Northfield Park, Ohio. 

Crown Perth

He has also held the role of President and COO at MGM’s Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi and was SVP and Chief Financial Officer at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. During his four-year tenure at Monte Carlo he helped to lead the $550 million transformation of the resort to Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas-

Tsai previously worked for McKinsey & Company and held senior strategy and finance roles, including management and leadership positions for Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas, adds Crown.

Crown Resorts' Carruthers stated: “Crown Perth is a world-class property and David is a world-class leader with a proven track record and deep experience in global hospitality and entertainment. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team."

“As CEO of Crown Perth, David will lead our remediation action plan in Western Australia and work with the Crown Perth Board and the newly appointed Independent Monitor, Paul Steel, to implement the recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission," he added. 

Ciarán Carruthers

Carruthers further said he felt "confident" that under Tsai's leadership the company will continue "that important work" and achieve its ambition "to be a world leader in the delivery of safe and responsible gaming and entertainment."

Tsai also commented: “Crown Perth is renowned for its outstanding facilities, entertainment, premium restaurants and luxury accommodation. What I am most excited about is its reputation for delivering exceptional service by a team of 6,000 talented and dedicated people."

“I look forward to joining the team and working alongside them to deliver the reform and remediation plans and creating memorable experiences for our customers," the newly appointed Crown Perth CEO added.

Crown has not provided a commencement date for Tsai, stating only that he will begin later this year.

After a royal commission investigation into the casino’s operations that resulted in the recommendation of a two-year remediation plan, an independent monitor was appointed by the Western Australia government to oversee the activities of the Perth Casino last week. The move comes as Crown Resorts works to establish its suitability to hold the casino license. 

Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti said current police Assistant Commissioner Paul Steel would take on the role from November onwards. The WA parliament has recently passed legislation allowing the establishment of the position and subsequent supervision of the casino’s operations.