Inspire Entertainment Resort, a South Korean leisure complex with a foreigner-only casino, has appointed experienced gaming-industry executive Steve Wolstenholme (pictured) as its new chief casino officer (CCO).
That is according to a Tuesday statement from the resort, located near Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s main air hub.
The statement said that as CCO, Mr Wolstenholme would “oversee the establishment of Inspire’s enterprise-wide casino strategies and the advancement of operational processes, while formulating and executing mid- to long-term growth plans for the Inspire casino.”
Gyubum Ko, Inspire’s chief executive, who took up the role in December, was cited as describing Mr Wolstenholme as a “highly accomplished expert with deep insight into integrated resort operations, including casino operations, finance, governance, and ESG [environmental, social and governance]” matters.
Mr Ko added: “With the appointment of our new CCO, Inspire will further accelerate its growth as a world-class integrated resort delivering the ultimate ‘Playcation’ experience, where entertainment and relaxation come together for our guests.”
The update said Mr Wolstenholme had “demonstrated extensive knowledge and capabilities across the hospitality and entertainment elements of integrated resort” operations, “including casinos, hotels, MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions] facilities, F&B [food and beverage], and retail.”
Mr Wolstenholme was quoted as saying: “Building on the operational expertise I have accumulated over the past 30-plus years at global integrated resorts, I will do my utmost to work alongside Inspire’s talented team to create Asia’s leading integrated casino resort.”
Mr Wolstenholme was president and CEO of Hoiana Resort & Golf in Hoi An, Vietnam, serving as an executive at the property for seven years before stepping down in early 2025.
He has also been president of Okada Manila in the Philippine capital, and has previously worked as chief operating officer at Galaxy Macau, the Cotai flagship of Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, per Tuesday’s statement.
Privately-held Inspire recently reported to the country’s authorities its operating results for the 12 months to September 30. Up to that date, the property generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of KRW267.23 billion (US$183.1 million currently), versus a figure of KRW107.94 billion reported previously and covering a shorter period.
The Inspire property’s net loss for the reporting period was KRW154.83 billion, versus an earlier KRW265.45-billion loss.
The casino at Inspire opened in February 2024.The first phase of non-gaming launched in November 2023. The property was developed by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority from the United States. Private investment firm Bain Capital has controlled the venue since early 2025.
