Did Disagreements Cause Leadership Changes in Newport? Chairman Kevin Tan Answers

Misalignments in management styles, values, and ethical standards were significant factors that necessitated the leadership change in Newport World Resorts (NWR), disclosed Kevin Tan. As the CEO of Philippines conglomerate Alliance Global Group and Chairman of Newport World Resorts operator Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., Tan is responsible for the overall management of Newport.

“The truth is—just to put all these speculations to rest—there were definitely disagreements on management styles, mindsets, values, and misalignment on issues like integrity and basic ethical behavior,” he explained in an interview with Inside Asian Gaming published on October 25, 2024, without elaborating on the issue.

“There were misalignments and disagreements here and there, which is why it was the right time to transition to the new team.”

In June, President Kingson Sian, COO Hakan Dagtas, and CFO Bernard Than, departed from NWR as AGI moved to install new leadership. Reports swirled about the departures’ link to embezzlement but NWR later on denied this.

Newport at the time clarified that Mr. Sian’s retirement had been anticipated for several years. His departure was postponed due to the pandemic and a 12-month transition period following Alliance Global Group Inc.’s acquisition of Genting Hong Kong’s stake in Travellers.

Previous reports claimed that the sudden departures of senior casino executives may have been linked to embezzlement.

Since June, Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer, while Lance Gautreaux was appointed Chief Operating Officer.

Rodriguez had a background in hospitality and finance. Tan had intended for Rodriguez to take over the company back in 2022, but he first needed to adjust to the specifics of the resort industry.

“When I invited him he was actually stationed back in Manila with the Philippine Airlines and he was in charge of the massive debt restructuring during COVID. The airlines industry was massively hit during during the pandemic and he was involved and he was in charge of doing this restructuring which brought the airline back to profitability right after the pandemic so you know I thought that he definitely possessed the right skills to be able to really run the Integrated Resort professionally,” Tan shared.

Recent leadership changes at Newport World Resorts in Manila mark a pivotal moment for the integrated resort, as the company aims to adapt and thrive in a competitive gaming environment.

For Tan, while the original team laid the groundwork for the property’s success, he emphasized that the team may not be the same as the one needed to drive future growth.

“Fifteen years later, the startup team and those in charge of growing the business need not necessarily be the same team,” he stated.

In 2022, after acquiring the shares of their partners, Tan recognized the need for a more energetic and driven leadership team to guide the resort into its next phase.

“This realization prompted the assembly of a group of executives from various competitive gaming jurisdictions, tasked with enhancing the management of Newport World Resorts. “We reached an agreement to proceed with this transition,” he noted.

Gautreaux joined the company a year later, with background in gaming and hospitality across multiple international jurisdictions. He was Chief Casino Officer of The Venetian Las Vegas.

Tan’s strategic vision for Newport World Resorts focuses on enhancing guest experiences and ensuring the property remains competitive in the marketplace.

Read related article: Newport World Resorts Shakes Up Leadership Team