Anthony Leeming steps down as Sun International CEO

Anthony Leeming, the outgoing CEO of Sun International, has announced his decision to step down from his position after eight years at the helm. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Leeming discussed his reasons for leaving and reflected on his time with the company. Leeming stated that he is looking forward to pursuing other interests outside of the group after dedicating 26 years of his career to Sun International. Despite leaving the CEO role, he expressed optimism about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. He plans to take a break, travel, and spend time with family before considering his next move. Leeming highlighted the challenges he faced during his tenure, including managing the company through a period of high debt and navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the positive turnaround the business experienced, particularly in the hospitality industry. Leeming credited his team for their hard work and the success they achieved in optimizing assets, entering the online gaming market, and implementing an omni-channel strategy. As he prepares to hand over the reins to his successor, Ulrich, a Swedish national with a strong background in the online gaming space, Leeming expressed confidence in the leadership transition and the future growth of Sun International. While discussing the decision to bring in an external candidate for the CEO role, Leeming explained that the focus on online gaming expertise was a key factor in the selection process. He noted that internal candidates had excelled in other areas of the business but lacked the specific experience needed for the online sector, which is a significant growth area for the company. Overall, Leeming expressed pride in the achievements during his time as CEO and gratitude for the support of his team. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strategic growth in a challenging industry.