Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., a leading player in the Philippine gaming and hospitality sector and owner of Manila’s prestigious Newport World Resorts casino complex, has announced the appointment of Laurence Hawke as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective from July.
Introduction of Laurence Hawke:
Laurence Hawke brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the integrated resort sector to his new role at Travellers International. His career highlights include serving as the group CFO at Hoiana Resort & Golf in Vietnam, where he successfully managed financial operations for a complex comprising a foreigner-only casino and luxury resort facilities along Da Nang’s central coast.
In his capacity as CFO, Mr. Hawke will report directly to Nilo Rodriguez, recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Travellers International. He will also collaborate closely with Executive Chairman Kevin Tan and Chief Operating Officer Lance Gautreaux, aligning financial strategies with operational goals to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
Travellers International emphasized Laurence Hawke’s proficiency in corporate finance, operational finance analysis, strategic planning, financial controls, and budget management. His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing financial governance and optimizing resource allocation amidst dynamic market conditions.
Leadership transitions and corporate strategy:
The appointment of Laurence Hawke comes amid significant leadership changes at Travellers International. Former President and CEO Kingson Sian, a pivotal figure in the company’s growth over the past 16 years, retired earlier this year. Additionally, Hakan Dagtas, the former COO, and Bernard Than, the previous CFO, departed as part of organizational realignment efforts under new leadership.
As the renowned GGRAsia reports, Travellers International faced challenges in the first quarter, reporting a substantial decline in consolidated net profit compared to the previous year. This performance reflects ongoing economic uncertainties and strategic adjustments aimed at fortifying market resilience and operational efficiency.
In a strategic move to bolster its market position, Alliance Global Inc, the conglomerate parent of Travellers International, acquired Genting Hong Kong Ltd’s stake in the company last year. This acquisition aligns with Alliance Global’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the regional integrated resort market and leverage synergies across its portfolio.
Laurence Hawke’s appointment as CFO marks a pivotal moment for Travellers International as it navigates a transformative period in the gaming and hospitality industry. His leadership is expected to drive financial stewardship, operational excellence, and innovation at Newport World Resorts, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and value to stakeholders.