Morrison will leave the role on April 29, with the $300 million casino redevelopment at a crucial pre-construction stage. Designs were approved in January.

In a statement this morning, Morrison said the “potential in Adelaide” was one of the factors that would underwrite the company’s future growth.

SkyCity’s NZ chief operating officer John Mortensen has been appointed interim CEO pending a global search for a new CE.

SkyCity chairman Chris Moller said the board and Morrison had been “formally discussing” succession planning since September last year and both parties had agreed that “it is the right time to transition to a new chief executive”.

The move represents significant change for the Adelaide Casino, with acting general manager of the casino, Aaron Morrison, resigning last year.

Moller praised Nigel Morrison’s performance.

“Nigel has also presided over unprecedented growth of SkyCity’s international business and he had the vision to develop the Federal Street precinct into an entertainment and world class dining hub for Auckland,” Moller said.

Morrison said the job had been “incredibly demanding job and after eight years, I’m keen to take a break”.

“I’m delighted with what we have achieved at SkyCity over the past eight years. We have truly transformed our Auckland property into a world class integrated entertainment destination. Developing Federal Street and the amazing restaurants has added vibrancy to Auckland.

“The development and growth of our group wide International VIP business has been an outstanding success. Concluding the Convention Centre Agreement, negotiating the licence extension and the concessions has been a highlight, which together with the potential in Adelaide, will continue to underwrite the company’s future growth.”

The Adelaide Casino redevelopment will include an 80-room high-end hotel overlooking the River Torrens.