David Christian steps down as SkyCity Australia CFO

Avril Baynes has been appointed as interim chief operating officer.

Australia.- SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced through a company filing that David Christian has resigned as chief operating officer for Australia. He will step down on April 12. Avril Baynes will step in as interim chief operating officer for Australia, subject to regulatory approvals.

Baynes is currently general manager hospitality at SkyCity Adelaide, a role she has held since November 2023. Prior to joining SkyCity Adelaide, she was general manager of the Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin, Australia, from May 2019 to November 2023.

Christian joined SkyCity in 2005. He was promoted to his current position in early 2021 following three years as general manager of SkyCity Adelaide. Prior to joining SkyCity, he spent two decades with The Federal Group, working at casinos and resorts in Singapore, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Launceston and Darwin. The reasons for Christian’s departure were not given.

Callum Mallet, SkyCity’s interim chief executive officer, said: “David has held a number of senior roles during his career with SkyCity since joining in 2005 and has led the SkyCity Adelaide business through a very challenging and demanding period, demonstrating strong leadership and resilience”.

SkyCity board chair, Julian Cook, added: “On behalf of the SkyCity Adelaide Board and the SkyCity Board, I thank David for his tireless efforts and dedication to SkyCity and wish him well.”

See also: SkyCity posts revenue of US$276m for H1

David Christian’s departure comes after the announcement of Julie Amey’s resignation as chief financial officer of the company. She will step down on September 25.