Anne Ward Joins Crown Resorts Board Amidst Acquisition Bids and Regulatory Changes

Crown Resorts has designated Anne Ward to its Board of Directors.

This appointment comes after a time of substantial turmoil for the organization, sparked by the Bergin Report which deemed Crown unfit to retain a casino license in New South Wales. Ward and Jane Halton are the sole remaining board members from the prior board composition.

Ward possesses a breadth of expertise spanning various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, government, education, and tourism. She currently holds the Chair position at ASX-listed entities Redbubble and MNF Group, and also serves as a council member for RMIT University.

“Crown has been an integral part of my hometown, Melbourne, for numerous years,” Ward stated upon the announcement of her appointment. “I am thrilled to have the chance to join the Board and contribute to Crown’s future endeavors.”

The prominent Australian gaming company, Crown Resorts, is at the center of a bidding war, attracting a new acquisition proposal shortly after a revised offer from the American private equity group, Blackstone. Blackstone increased their proposal to AUD$13.10 per share, aiming to secure complete ownership of the casino enterprise.

This situation presents Crown’s leadership, overseen by Chairwoman Helen Coonan, with significant decisions in the near future.

Further complicating matters, the New South Wales Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) recently declared temporary measures for an autonomous casino regulatory body, awaiting legislative modifications. This action has the potential to reshape the regulatory framework within which Crown functions.