Key Architect of Crown Resorts’ Success Todd Nisbet Dies Suddenly at 57

Todd Nisbet, a well-known casino executive who played a pivotal role in the development of both Wynn Resorts and Melco in Macau, and later became an influential figure at Crown Resorts in Australia, has tragically passed away at the age of 57.

Todd Nisbet Dies Suddenly

Media reports indicate that Nisbet suffered a brain aneurysm in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia, where he had relocated nearly two decades ago after being selected by then-Crown chairman James Packer to lead its expansion efforts. Packer described Todd as a star, noting that he had been his best employee at Crown. He also remarked that, more importantly, Todd had been a dear friend and a special, talented man, calling his death a tragedy.

Nisbet’s value to Packer was reflected in his compensation. His termination payment alone was $3.1 million, and in 2021, he was the highest-paid executive at Crown Resorts, with a take-home salary of $6.3 million.

Several months after leaving the company, Nisbet created NPACT, an investment vehicle focused on property development that had the support of Packer. According to him, Nisbet carried on the excellence he showed during his time working at Crown into the new company, contributing hugely to its success. 

A spokeswoman for NPACT described Nisbet as a beloved leader. She said that Nisbet had recently passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm and that the doctors and nurses had done everything possible for him. She added that his death was devastating for his wife, Pam, their children Chloe, Cole, and Connor, as well as his extended family, many friends, and people in the sector who had known him.

Nisbet Leaves Behind a Rich Legacy

Nisbet joined Crown Resorts as executive vice president of strategy and development in 2007, after being recommended to James Packer by Steve Wynn as someone capable of making a significant impact in the expansion into the lucrative Macau casino market. In 2009, he was appointed to the board of Melco-Crown Entertainment, a joint venture between Packer’s Crown and Lawrence Ho’s Melco International, where he played a key role in the company’s growth during its early years.

Nisbet also served as Crown’s representative on Melco-Crown’s City of Dreams Manila project, contributing to its development and financing. Back in Australia, he is credited with overseeing the design and construction of Crown Sydney, which at the time was envisioned as an ultra-luxury casino catering to the Asian high-roller market.

Following Nisbet’s death, NPACT investment manager Leslie Cockerell and CPH CEO Lawrence Myers will assume more prominent roles within the business. A spokeswoman stated that she did not anticipate any disruptions to the project delivery timelines.