SA’s ‘Mr Fix-it’ Bruce Carter joins Crown board

Crown Resorts says its reform efforts will be aided by the addition of ex-SkyCity director Bruce Carter, as it faces two royal commissions.

SkyCity Group deputy chairman Bruce Carter, left, with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall and SkyCity Adelaide general manager David Christian. Picture: Tom Roschi

South Australian business identity and former SkyCity board member Bruce Carter has been revealed as the latest addition to Crown Resorts’ new and improved board, as the James Packer-backed company prepared to front a West Australian royal commission into its conduct.

Crown on Monday told the market that Mr Carter, who recently stepped down as deputy chair of New Zealand-based casino operator SkyCity, would join the company as a non-executive director, subject to regulatory approvals.

Mr Carter is now the second SkyCity alumni to join the Crown board after its former CEO Nigel Morrison was appointed as a director in January.

He also currently chair the Australian Submarine Corporation and Aventus Capital, and holds directorships with the Bank of Queensland and AIG Australia.

But as well as corporate and gaming industry experience, Mr Carter is known in South Australia for his public policy work, earning the nickname of “Mr Fix-it” for his roles as chair of the state’s Economic Development Board and WorkCover SA.

Crown executive chairman Helen Coonan said Mr Carter’s experience and reputation would aid reformation efforts at the gaming company, which lost the right to operate its Sydney casino in the aftermath of the NSW Bergin inquiry.

Bruce Carter. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“Bruce brings to the Crown board the ideal blend of commercial, governance and gaming sector expertise and is respected across Australia for his contribution to corporate and government roles,” Ms Coonan said on Monday.

“Attracting someone of Bruce’s calibre to the board is an endorsement of our strategy, ambition and commitment to reform.

“With a track record of building stronger businesses and extensive experience in advisory and board roles, Bruce’s appointment will enhance our governance as we work to implement our ambitious reform program.”

Ms Coonan’s statement comes as the board continues to evaluate a $8bn takeover offer from US private equity group Blackstone.

It was also made just hours before a WA royal commission into the company’s suitability to operate its Perth casino was due to hold its initial hearing.

The commission is headed by former Supreme Court judge Neville Owen, who also led the HIH Insurance royal commission in the early 2000s, as well as another former Supreme Court judge, Lindy Jenkins, and former WA auditor-general Colin Murphy.

A royal commission into Crown’s suitability to operate its Melbourne casino was launched in Victoria last month.

In his opening remarks, Victorian commissioner Ray Finkelstein said he was concerned with contemporary issues relating to money laundering and problem gambling at the Melbourne casino, rather than past wrongdoing.

It is expected a hearing timetable with a list of individuals set to appear before the commission will be released shortly.

Crown also said on Monday that outgoing Crown director John Horvath would leave the board on April 14.

Professor Horvath, former Chief Medical Officer of Australia and physician to Kerry Packer, elected to resign when James Packer used his 37 per cent voting stake to ensure he was not voted off the board at the last AGM.

A key criticism of the Crown board during the NSW Bergin inquiry was the lack of directors with experience in the gaming industry.

The departure of Professor Horvath – which follows the resignations of directors Harold Mitchell, Andrew Demetriou, Guy Jalland, Michael Johnston and John Poynton – means just four people will sit on the Crown board until Mr Carter takes up his position: Ms Coonan, Jane Halton, Mr Morrison and Antonia Korsanos.

When Mr Carter does join the board three of five directors will have had prior experience in the gaming industry: himself, Mr Morrison and Ms Korsanos, who is a former CFO of Aristocrat Leisure.

Mr Carter said he was excited to help drive Crown’s reform agenda.

“For many years, I have appreciated the global recognition Crown enjoys for its world-class assets and premium customer service,” he said.

“Helen has marked out an ambitious timetable to complete tough and wide ranging reforms as the board moves to embed the highest standards of governance.

“I am excited to be a part of it and look forward to contributing as the Board drives the important changes required to make Crown a better organisation.”