Rob Hamilton has also resigned as a director of NZX with immediate effect. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The board of share market operator NZX has withdrawn its endorsement of the former SkyCity finance chief as its new chair elect, following court proceedings against the casino operator in Australia.
Rob Hamilton was backed by the NZX board to replace the incumbent chair James Miller, who was due to retire at its annual shareholder meeting next month.
But that backing was reconsidered after news in December that SkyCity faced civil penalty proceedings over alleged breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws at its Adelaide casino.
Hamilton has also resigned as a director of NZX with immediate effect to help it "move forward without any distractions", NZX told the share market on Monday morning.
He was chief financial officer of SkyCity from 2014 until early 2021.
"After careful consideration, the board has determined that, in the interests of NZX and noting its position as the operator of New Zealand's capital markets, it can no longer endorse Mr Hamilton as proposed chair while the proceedings remain unresolved," it said.
In the meantime, Miller has agreed to stay on in the role until a new chair is appointed.