Crown Resorts Names Ziggy Switkowski Chairman as Helen Coonan Steps Down

Crown Resorts revealed that Helen Coonan steps down as chairperson today. The company revealed that it hired the services of industry expert Dr. Ziggy Switkowski to fill Coonan’s position.

Crown Resorts Appoints New Chair

Helen Coonan has been a part of Crown Resorts for nearly ten years. It was January last year when she was promoted to chairperson. However, Coonan announced earlier this month that she will resign at the end of the month. The announcement comes at a time when the independent inquiry in NSW is still ongoing.

In a statement released on Thursday, Crown Resorts unveiled that Coonan steps down from the Board and as an executive chairman, effective from today. The position will be filled immediately by Dr. Ziggy Switkowski, one of the most experienced corporate leaders in Australia.

With that in mind, Crown said that Switkowski’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval. Until the approval is received, the company said that its non-executive director, Jane Halton, will serve as an interim chair. Welcoming Switkowski to his new position, the Crown Board also thanked Coonan “for her leadership during such a critical time.”

Coonan Officially Steps Down

Stepping down, Coonan said that serving as executive chair and a part of the Board was a privilege for her. She outlined that she has aimed to “stabilize and strengthen the business following the recommendations of the Bergin inquiry and set Crown on the reform path.”

I am confident the Board’s selection of Ziggy as Chairman will reinforce the organization-wide commitment to our reform program.”

Helen Coonan, former Crown Resorts Chair

Connan stressed that she has always sought to act within the best interest of the company while, at the same time, considered the impact on customers, employees and shareholders. Commenting on Switkowski’s appointment, Coonan said that she is confident with the Board’s election and added that Crown’s new chairman will help “reinforce the organization-wide commitment” to the reform program.

Dr. Switkowski Is Excited to Join Crown Resorts

Switkowski has served as chairman and non-executive director of ASX-listed companies and in other key roles. Previously, he served as CEO at both Optus and Telstra. Currently, he is serving as a non-executive chairman of NBN Co, as well as a chancellor of RMIT University.

I look forward to joining the Crown Board and working with Board colleagues, CEO Steve McCann, and Crown employees to grow value for shareholders by continuing the urgent work to reform the business.”

Dr. Ziggy Switkowski

Sharing his excitement, Dr. Switkowski said that he looks forward to collaborating with Crown’s Board, CEO Steve McCann and the company’s employees. He added that he will strive to grow the value for shareholders by continuing the urgent business reform.