CLAIMS TO FAME
- Key adviser to Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho
- Former investment banker who joined Melco in 2016
A central figure at Melco, where he liaises closely with Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho on issues of strategy, Evan Winkler has been kept busy over the past 12 months as the company continues its never-ending evolution.
The impending closure of Macau’s satellite casino industry saw Melco become an early mover when it shut down its sole satellite, Casino Grand Dragon, almost six months ahead of schedule – perhaps taking the initiative in relocating the property’s gaming tables to its better-performing integrated resorts.
The company has also flagged the sale of its stake in City of Dreams Manila, no doubt recognizing better growth opportunities elsewhere on top of the need to deleverage given the ravages of the pandemic years.
Although Melco has opened City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus and has shown interest in expansion to everywhere from Japan to Thailand in recent years, it is Macau that remains its heart, and in that regard it’s been a year of positives.
City of Dreams Macau, the company’s luxury flagship, has surged in 2025 with revenues finally climbing back towards pre-COVID levels, while Studio City – long a frustrating under-performer – is finally proving itself to be a valuable part of the Melco asset library.
A more recent venture into Sri Lanka, where the company launched its third City of Dreams-branded property in early August, provides some additional geographical diversity without any major capital outlay.
For the full list of 2025 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
