SkyCity COO John Mortensen to retire at end of year

Tuesday 5th of September 2017

New Zealand-based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced the retirement of its group chief operating officer, John Mortensen, effective December 31, 2017.

According to a filing from the company on Tuesday, Mortensen leaves SkyCity to retire to Australia. In his place will be Michael Ahearne, who takes the role January 1, 2018.

Mr. Mortensen originally joined SkyCity Auckland in 2013 as general manager, and was appointed chief operating officer New Zealand in January 2015.

He was later appointed interim CEO in April 2016, and following the arrival of CEO Graeme Stephens, moved to a newly created group COO role in April 2017.

Mr Ahearne joins SkyCity from Paddy Power Betfair where he has held a number of senior operational and product leadership roles in the European Paddy Power Betfair business based in Dublin, Ireland.

Prior to this, Mr Ahearne spent 13 years in the Australasian gaming and entertainment sector, ten of which were spent at the Star Casino in Sydney.

He was also previously chief operating officer for Aristocrat in Australia and New Zealand.

Bricks & Mortar Movers & Shakers Retire Chief operating officer COO