Newport World Resorts, formerly known as Resorts World Manila, has recently undergone significant changes in its leadership structure, marking a notable transition in its management. With the retirement of long-serving CEO Kingson Sian, along with the resignations of COO Hakan Dagtas and CFO Bernard Than, the company is poised for a new era under fresh leadership.
Departure of Long-time CEO and Executives:
Kingson Sian, the longstanding CEO of Newport World Resorts, has officially retired, effective from June 1st.
COO Hakan Dagtas and CFO Bernard Than, both seasoned executives with over a decade of experience, have also resigned on the same day.
Succession and Promotions:
Nilo Rodriguez, the former Chief Strategy Officer, has stepped up to fill the shoes of Kingson Sian as the new CEO of Newport World Resorts. Rodriguez brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly in finance and aviation.
Lance Gautreaux, previously the Chief Casino Officer, has been appointed as the new COO. Gautreaux’s extensive background in the gaming industry positions him well for this role.
Timing of Transitions:
While these changes may appear sudden to many, according to Newport, Kingson Sian’s retirement had been planned for several years but was postponed due to various factors including the pandemic and the transitional period following AGI’s acquisition of Genting Hong Kong’s interest in Travellers.
Ownership and Operation:
Newport World Resorts is owned and operated by Travellers International Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), a prominent conglomerate in the Philippines.
AGI acquired Genting Hong Kong’s interest in Travellers in May last year, following the collapse of Genting Hong Kong and its associated cruise lines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rebranding and Transition:
In July 2022, Newport World Resorts underwent a rebranding, dropping the Genting integrated resort brand “Resorts World” from its name, signifying a new phase for the company.
This transition marked a significant shift in focus and strategy for the company, aligning it more closely with AGI’s vision and objectives.
Nilo Rodriguez (CEO):
Rodriguez joined Newport World Resorts in August 2022 as the Chief Strategy Officer, bringing with him extensive experience in finance and aviation.
Prior to joining Newport, Rodriguez served as the Senior Vice President of Finance and later as CFO of Philippines Airlines, showcasing his financial acumen and strategic prowess.
Lance Gautreaux (COO):
Gautreaux, the newly appointed COO, boasts a remarkable career in the gaming industry, with 17 years of experience with Las Vegas Sands.
His tenure with Las Vegas Sands spanned across various locations including Macau, Singapore, and Las Vegas, underscoring his versatility and deep understanding of the global gaming landscape.
Continuity and Stability:
Despite the leadership changes, Newport World Resorts aims to ensure continuity and stability in its operations, leveraging the expertise of its new leadership team.
The planned succession of Kingson Sian indicates a strategic approach towards leadership transitions, emphasizing long-term planning and stability.
Focus on Growth and Innovation:
With the new leadership in place, Newport World Resorts may embark on a renewed focus on growth and innovation, aligning its strategies with the evolving needs of the market.
Nilo Rodriguez’s background in strategy coupled with Lance Gautreaux’s expertise in the gaming sector positions the company well for pursuing new opportunities and expanding its market presence.
Alignment with AGI’s Vision:
As a subsidiary of AGI, Newport World Resorts is likely to align its strategic direction more closely with the overarching vision and objectives of the parent company.
The leadership changes signify a shift towards greater synergy within the AGI ecosystem, potentially leading to enhanced collaboration and value creation across different business units.
The restructuring of leadership at Newport World Resorts marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, signaling a new chapter of growth and transformation. With seasoned executives like Nilo Rodriguez and Lance Gautreaux at the helm, the company is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the hospitality and gaming industry, while staying true to its core values and strategic objectives. As Newport World Resorts embarks on this new trajectory, stakeholders can anticipate a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and value creation in the years to come.