Crown Resorts CEO Ken Barton resigns

Crown Resorts chief executive Ken Barton has resigned from the gambling giant in the wake of a damning report that found it is unfit to hold the licence for its new Sydney casino.

Crown said on Monday morning that chairman Helen Coonan would take on the role of executive chairman while it searches for a replacement.

“The board is determined to maintain the momentum as Crown takes significant steps to improve our governance, compliance and culture,” Ms Coonan said in a statement.

“Working closely with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and regulators in Victoria and Western Australia, I will continue to lead on implementation of Crown’s ambitious reform program.”

Three Crown directors resigned last week in the wake of former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin’s report, which was the result of an 18-month public inquiry into the group.

More to come