Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco), a leading developer and operator of integrated resort facilities, has announced the appointment of Tim Kelly as the new Property President of City of Dreams Macau. This strategic move brings a highly experienced hospitality professional to the helm of one of Melco’s flagship properties.
Tim Kelly: A Proven Track Record in Integrated Resort Management
Tim Kelly boasts an impressive career in the integrated resort industry, with a proven track record of success in managing complex operations. His extensive experience encompasses various aspects of the business, including:
- Operations Management
- Design and Brand Creation
- Construction and Development
- Master Planning
- Entertainment Venue Management
- Funding Multi-Billion Dollar Construction Projects
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to lead cohesive teams towards achieving successful outcomes, Kelly thrives in fast-paced and creative environments. His expertise extends beyond just operational excellence. He has served on the Forbes Travel Guide – Service Advisory Committee, representing the Asia-Pacific Region, advocating for international Five-Star luxury hotel service and maintenance standards.
Kelly’s impressive credentials include:
- A coveted Lifetime International Honorary Les Clefs d’Or membership
- Former Board Member of the Nevada Hotel Lodging Association
- Instructor at the College of Southern Nevada
He holds an Executive Master’s in Hospitality Administration (MHA) with a specialization in Gaming Track, further solidifying his knowledge base for the unique demands of the integrated resort industry.
Kelly’s Arrival Follows Strategic Restructuring at Melco Macau
Kelly’s appointment coincides with a period of strategic restructuring within Melco’s Macau operations. This restructuring includes the addition of several key personnel:
- Alidad Tash as Executive Vice President of Analytics and Gaming Operations for Macau
- Stefan Bollhalder as Vice President of Hotels and Food & Beverage for City of Dreams Macau
- Linda Switzer as Vice President of Retail
These appointments position Melco Macau for continued growth and optimization across various business segments.
Previously, Kelly spent nearly four and a half years in Macau as Senior Vice President of Resort Operations between 2013 and 2017. This experience provides him with valuable firsthand knowledge of the Macau market and its unique dynamics.
Following his stint in Macau, Kelly joined Kerzner International and successfully oversaw the operations of Atlantis Dubai for six years. He was most recently promoted to President of Atlantis for Kerzner, managing both the Dubai and Sanya, China locations.
During Melco’s recent earnings call, Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho acknowledged Kelly’s significant achievements at Kerzner, highlighting his success in “building the Atlantis brand.”
Renewed Optimism at Melco: Marketing Initiatives Drive Growth
The appointment of Tim Kelly signifies Melco’s commitment to elevating City of Dreams Macau’s position as a premier integrated resort destination. This strategic move coincides with a period of renewed optimism for Melco, driven by the implementation of new marketing initiatives.
These initiatives have yielded positive results, reflected in Melco’s first-quarter 2024 (1Q24) financial performance:
- Total operating revenues climbed 55.3% year-on-year to US$1.11 billion.
- Gaming revenues experienced a significant increase of 52.5% year-on-year, reaching US$913 million.
- Non-gaming revenues witnessed an impressive growth of 69.5% year-on-year, reaching US$199 million.
Melco attributes these positive developments to the effectiveness of their new marketing strategies and the generation of new business opportunities following management changes implemented in late February 2024.
Lawrence Ho expressed his confidence in Melco’s future, stating, “We are extremely optimistic about the continued growth of gaming, entertainment and leisure in Macau and expect to maintain our leadership position with our exceptional portfolio of products.”
A Year of Transformation for Melco Macau
2024 has been a year of significant change for Melco Macau. Key developments include:
- Management shifts
- Restructuring of the sales force
- Reconfiguration of gaming areas
- Opening of new retail outlets at Studio City
These initiatives demonstrate Melco’s proactive approach to optimizing its Macau operations and enhancing the overall guest experience.