David Attenborough, former CEO of Tabcorp, has been proposed for a Non-Executive Director (NED) position at SkyCity, subject to regulatory approval in the gaming jurisdictions where the operator operates. Attenborough’s extensive experience in the gambling industry, corporate governance, and sustainability is expected to bring valuable expertise to the SkyCity board. The potential appointment comes at a time when SkyCity Adelaide, a land-based casino operated by the company, faces civil penalty proceedings by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac) for alleged anti-money laundering failings.
A Respected Leader in the Gambling Industry:
David Attenborough served as CEO of Tabcorp for over 12 years before leaving the company in May of last year. His departure coincided with the demerger of Tabcorp’s lottery operations from its wagering, media, and gaming services. Prior to his tenure at Tabcorp, Attenborough held the position of CEO for South Africa at Phumelela Gaming and Leisure, and he also gained 11 years of experience in gambling-focused roles at the Hilton Group. With his deep industry knowledge and leadership skills, Attenborough is poised to contribute valuable insights to the SkyCity board.
Regulatory Approval and Timelines:
The proposed appointment of David Attenborough as a Non-Executive Director at SkyCity is contingent upon receiving regulatory approval in the jurisdictions where SkyCity operates. The company aims to complete the approval process and finalize the appointment by 1 March. Attenborough has already expressed his agreement to take on the new role. SkyCity Chair Julian Cook expressed delight in Attenborough’s acceptance, highlighting his extensive experience in the gambling industry, corporate governance, and sustainability, which will be valuable to the SkyCity board.
Challenges and Regulatory Proceedings:
SkyCity’s potential appointment of Attenborough comes amid ongoing regulatory challenges for the company. Last month, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac) initiated federal court proceedings against SkyCity Adelaide for alleged anti-money laundering failures. Austrac claims that SkyCity Adelaide demonstrated a pattern of serious and systemic non-compliance with Australia’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) laws. The civil penalty proceedings resulted from an investigation into SkyCity initiated in June 2021, stemming from an industry-wide compliance campaign launched in September 2019.
The nomination of David Attenborough, former Tabcorp CEO, for a Non-Executive Director position at SkyCity highlights the company’s commitment to strengthening its governance and leveraging industry expertise. Attenborough’s extensive experience in the gambling industry, coupled with his background in corporate governance and sustainability, positions him as a valuable addition to the SkyCity board. However, it is important to note that the appointment is subject to regulatory approval in the jurisdictions where SkyCity operates. SkyCity’s ongoing legal proceedings with Austrac underscore the significance of ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. As SkyCity navigates these challenges, Attenborough’s potential appointment reflects the company’s dedication to improving governance and regulatory compliance within the gambling industry.