Former Perth boss David Tsai confirmed as new chief of Crown Resorts

Crown Resorts has anointed its former Perth boss David Tsai as the group’s new chief executive, entrusting him with a planned major redevelopment program aimed at smartening up its Melbourne and Perth complexes.

Mr Tsai had been running Crown on an acting basis since Ciaran Carruthers stepped down suddenly in August, just two years after he was parachuted in to fix up the then scandal-ridden company.

“David is a highly capable, proven and experienced integrated resorts executive who has clearly demonstrated his commercial and strategic ability,” Crown chair John Borghetti said.

“Together with his strong cultural and team values, David is well positioned to lead the continued transformation, growth and future success of Crown’s business,” he said.

“As CEO, David will focus on the highest standards of guest experience across each of our resorts, including the refurbishment and launch of exciting new venues and experiences at each of our properties.”

Mr Tsai was recruited from the US in late-2022 to head Crown’s Perth casino and entertainment complex, running it for about 18 months before being promoted to group chief operating officer just four weeks before Mr Carruthers’ resignation.

His arrival at Crown was part of an overhaul of the group’s senior management by private equity giant Blackstone, which wrapped up a protracted $8.9 billion takeover of the former James Packer-controlled company in mid-2022.

The American had headed MGM Resorts International’s Midwest business for the past two years, with responsibility for two casino resorts in Detroit, Michigan and Northfield, Ohio.

Previously, he held senior roles at MGM casinos in Mississippi and Las Vegas after joining management consultants McKinsey out of Stanford University.