Aspers Group the joint venture between the Aspinall family and major Australian media and gaming company, Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd (PBL) today announced that Howard Aldridge is to be the new Managing Director of its flagship unit, Aspinalls Club in Mayfair, London.

British born Aldridge is transferring from Crown Melbourne, Australia which is owned and operated by PBL.  Aldridge was a member of the original team that launched the Crown complex in 1994 and which has overseen its successful growth to its current position as the largest entertainment and gaming complex in the southern hemisphere.

Howard has held a number of roles with Crown including Executive General Manager of Gaming Operations and President, Customer Relations.  His most recent position has been as Senior Vice President with a focus on VIP marketing in Australia.  Prior to joining Crown in 1994 he worked in various international gaming posts, including a period at the Clermont Club in London - a casino that was famously founded by the late John Aspinall in 1962.

Aldridge’s predecessor at Aspinalls, James Osborne, will remain on the board and will continue to provide advice and assistance to the Club. 

Damian Aspinall, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aspers Group said “Howard Aldridge has a superb track record in gaming and VIP customer service.  Our plan is to take Aspinalls onwards to ever greater levels of excellence building on the strong foundations that we have put in place.  Howard gives us the international experience needed if we are to compete effectively with the best in the world.  I am delighted to welcome Howard and his wife Lisa to London and to the Aspers family.”