The company thanks Simon for his past support and contributions to Melco Crown Entertainment. As Melco Crown Entertainment transitions from a development company to one focused primarily on maximizing its operational profitability, and as a logical next step in the management reorganization announced last month, the company's intention is to identify a CFO who, in addition to having solid financial & operational experience, also possesses skills that are aligned with the current needs of the firm.
To ensure a seamless transition, Leanne Palmer, currently Vice President, Financial Compliance for Melco Crown Entertainment, has assumed the role of acting CFO in the interim period, while the company conducts a global search for a suitable candidate with exceptional caliber to fill the CFO position. Palmer is a Chartered Accountant with over 16 years of experience and is a specialist on Sarbanes Oxley compliance, corporate governance and internal control.
Additionally, Geoffrey Davis, CFA, has been promoted to Deputy CFO and Treasurer on a permanent basis and will be based in Macau. Prior to joining Melco Crown Entertainment as Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance in 2007, he was the lead equity research analyst at Citi Investment Research covering the gaming industry. He had previously been Vice President, Corporate Finance for Park Place Entertainment in Las Vegas.