Crown Resorts appoints Ziggy Switkowski as chairman

Crown Resorts has announced that Ziggy Switkowski will replace Helen Coonan as chairman of the group once regulatory approval is received.

Australia.- Ziggy Switkowski will replace Helen Coonan as chairman of Crown Resorts. Coonan had announced she would step down by the end of August amid ongoing inquiries into the operator.

Switkowski is currently the chancellor of RMIT University and a non-executive chairman of NBN Co. Crown’s non-executive director Jane Halton will serve as interim chairman until regulatory approval is received.

Coonan had assumed the role on an interim basis after Ken Barton stepped down following the ILGA’s inquiry into Crown’s fitness to keep its licence for its Crown Sydney property. However, Adrian Finanzio, the counsel assisting Victoria’s Royal Commission into Crown Resorts questioned the appropriateness of Coonan remaining in the position.

Coonan said: “It has been a privilege to serve on the Crown Board […] driving a transformation of the culture, governance and compliance of what is a unique Australian company.”

She added: “Crown is firmly on a pathway to rebuild trust and positioned for success over the long term.”

The announcement of Helen Coonan’s replacement comes after the company named Steve McCann as chief executive officer of Crown Melbourne in addition to his role as CEO of Crown Resorts.

McCann will relocate from Sydney to Melbourne as soon as possible subject to Covid-19 interstate travel restrictions. He will replace Xavier Walsh, who stepped down due to heavy criticism during Victoria’s Royal Commission into Crown Resorts.

Victoria’s Royal Commission into Crown Resorts will continue until October 15.