Arthur Pitcher Joins Opportunity Hamilton Board

MEDIA RELEASE

30 July 2009

General Manager SkyCity Hamilton Joins Opportunity Hamilton Board

Arthur Pitcher, General Manager of SkyCity Hamilton, has joined the Opportunity Hamilton Board.  Opportunity Hamilton is the city’s new economic development agency.

Board Chair, Mavora Hamilton, says Mr Pitcher’s business acumen and experience in tourism-related organisations will be an asset to the agency.

“Opportunity Hamilton is very excited about Arthur’s appointment to our Board.  He has a long history of heading up very successful casino and entertainment ventures all around the world. 

“This industry is closely aligned with tourism, plus Arthur has four years as Vice Chairman of Canterbury tourism organisation, Canterbury Marketing.  His strength in tourism is one we are looking forward to tapping into.

“Opportunity Hamilton has a new responsibility for supporting Hamilton International Airport as it sets up a regional tourism organisation.  We are confident Arthur’s guidance will help us support the local tourism industry in the most effective way possible,” explains Ms Hamilton.

Mr Pitcher emigrated from the UK in 1994 to head up the opening of the country’s first casino – Christchurch Casino.  Prior to this, he operated casinos in Turkey and varied leisure outlets in the UK.  He also worked as a casino consultant in various countries throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.  He joined SkyCity Hamilton in 2008.

Arthur is a keen sportsman, having been involved in football club management in the UK and as a Director of Canterbury Cricket from 1998 to 2001.  He was also General Manager of Waitikiri Golf Club in the South Island during 2005.

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