The appointment of Jan Swartz as a new director at U.S.-based casino operator MGM Resorts International adds to the board a person with experience of the Japan and China tourism markets, said James Murren, chairman and chief executive of the group.
MGM Resorts International – majority owner of Macau casino operator MGM China Holdings Ltd – is on record as being a suitor for a Japan casino licence.
Mr Murren said in a prepared statement contained in a Wednesday announcement: “Ms Swartz’s vast experience in sales and marketing and international expansion will bring important insights to our business priorities.”
Ms Swartz is group president, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia at Carnival Corp.
The MGM Resorts chairman added: “Jan and Princess Cruises created the international cruise category in Japan and created Carnival Japan, a Tokyo-based marketing unit. More recently, Jan oversaw the launch of the Majestic Princess, a cruise ship specifically developed for Chinese guests.”
Her appointment also ups the portion of women on the casino group’s board to one-third.
MGM Resorts’ investor relations website listed on Thursday an existing 11-strong board, with three women as members. The group confirmed in Wednesday’s announcement that Ms Swartz’s arrival expands the board to 12.
