Lim Kok Thay Named RWS Chairman as Genting Centralizes Control
Genting consolidates strategic control as billionaire Lim Kok Thay takes RWS chairmanship while maintaining group CEO roles. Leadership realignment mirrors broader Asian hospitality governance shifts.
Genting Singapore appointed billionaire Lim Kok Thay as chairman and director of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) effective February 1, consolidating strategic control over the integrated resort while maintaining his roles as acting CEO of Genting Singapore and executive chairman of Genting Group.
The 74-year-old son of Genting founder Lim Goh Tong fills a position vacant since former chairman and CEO Tan Hee Teck retired in May 2025. Genting Singapore shares rose 0.7% to SGD 0.735 (~US$0.54) before the announcement.
Centralized Control Over Singapore Operations
Lim's appointment places him at the helm of RWS's board, where he provides leadership and sets strategic direction. Day-to-day management remains under CEO Lee Shi Ruh, who assumed the role in June 2025.
The leadership structure separates strategic oversight from operational execution, a model gaining traction across Asian hospitality groups. Lim joined Genting Group in 1976 and now serves as executive chairman of Genting Singapore, Genting Bhd, and deputy chairman and CEO of Genting Malaysia.
This consolidation comes as RWS competes directly with Marina Bay Sands in Singapore's integrated resort market, which generated $6.4 billion in combined gaming revenue in 2023. Marina Bay Sands alone accounted for $4.1 billion of that total.
Broader Industry Leadership Realignment
Genting's governance restructuring mirrors leadership changes across Asian hospitality. In March 2025, Genting Berhad appointed Tan Kong Han as its first non-family CEO after 18 years, while Lim's son Lim Keong Hui became CEO of Genting Plantations, balancing family and professional leadership.
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Other major operators made similar C-suite appointments in 2025. Hyatt Hotels Corp and Ruby Hotels announced new executive leadership, while Mandarin Oriental and Plaza Premium Group restructured senior management.
At ITB Asia 2025, industry leaders emphasized agility and innovation as priorities. Christoph Mares, COO of Mandarin Oriental, and Song Mei Mei of Plaza Premium Group highlighted the need for rapid adaptation in post-pandemic markets.
Regional Competition Drives Strategic Focus
Genting's leadership consolidation follows underperformance at Resorts World Las Vegas, which opened in 2021 but struggled to meet revenue expectations. The $4.3 billion property missed 2024 revenue targets by 22%, potentially refocusing Genting's investments on Asian markets.
Regional competition intensifies as Macau's 2024 gaming revenue rebounded to 70% of pre-pandemic levels, pressuring Singapore operators to innovate. The leadership changes position Genting to sharpen competitive strategy and unify brand messaging across markets.
Lim first served as Genting Singapore chairman in 1993 and was re-elected to the role in April 2025, maintaining continuity while adapting governance structures to current market conditions.
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