SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced plans to appoint Lauren Quaintance as a Non-Executive Director. The appointment is expected to strengthen the Board's digital and marketing expertise as the operator prepares to enter New Zealand's regulated online casino market.
The proposed appointment remains subject to approval from gaming regulators across the jurisdictions where SkyCity operates, a process expected to take several months. Quaintance will be available to advise the board while awaiting approval.
SkyCity Chair Julian Cook said Quaintance's experience in media, digital and data would support the company's strategic priorities, particularly its planned entry into online gambling.
Quaintance currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Vista Group International, Turners Automotive Group, Autosure Insurance and J.Ballantyne and Co. She also chairs ChristchurchNZ and ChristchurchNZ Holdings.
Her previous executive roles include Chief Media and Data Officer at Sky Television and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Storyation, a digital content marketing agency acquired by News Corp Australia in 2019.
The Board announcement follows SkyCity's recent confirmation that it has secured the right to apply for two of New Zealand's 15 online casino licences.
The company is preparing its applications ahead of the regulated market's anticipated launch in the second half of FY27, although the exact timing remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, SkyCity continues implementing a broader operational restructuring programme, targeting NZ$30m (US$17m) in realised annual cost benefits in FY27 and NZ$70m by FY28.
The programme includes changes affecting almost 250 corporate and back-office positions, supplier contract reviews and increased investment in technology, including artificial intelligence.
The operator aims to reduce its net debt-to-underlying EBITDA ratio to approximately 2.0x by the end of FY27, including expenditure on online casino licences.
SkyCity is progressing an asset disposal programme expected to generate approximately NZ$300m in gross proceeds by December
