Kerzner CEO killed in helicopter accident
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 October 2006 1016 hrs
SINGAPORE : Kerzner International Holdings's Chief Executive Officer, Howard "Butch" Kerzner, has died in a helicopter crash.
He was among four people killed when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed into a building on the Dominican Republic's north coast on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old hotel tycoon was believed to be surveying potential development sites when the helicopter crashed.
He's survived by his wife and two young children.
The company says it mourns this tragic loss.
Kerzner International Holdings is one of the bidders for the Sentosa integrated resort project in Singapore.
In a statement, the company says it is still fully committed to continuing its bid.
Its partner, local property developer, CapitaLand, has also pledged its full commitment to continuing with the bid.
Paul O'Neil, former CEO of the company's largest operation in the Bahamas and a current Board member, has been appointed as acting CEO of Kerzner International Holdings, with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, Butch Kerzner's father, Sol Kerzner - a South African casino tycoon who is chairman of Kerzner International's board, is en route to the Dominican Republic.
Kerzner International operates casinos in various countries including Dubai, the Maldives, Mexico and Mauritius as well as the Bahamas' Atlantis resort.
A commission is investigating the cause of the accident. - CNA/ch
