Francis Lui takes helm at Galaxy Entertainment after father’s legacy

Sankunni K December 13, 2024

SiGMA news

Francis Lui, the son of the late gaming mogul Lui Che Woo, has officially stepped into the role of Chairman at . According to a with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Francis Lui’s appointment as Chairman became effective on Friday, December 13, 2024. This move marks a significant leadership transition within the organisation following the passing of Lui Che Woo, the founder of GEG, on November 7, 2024, at the age of 95.

In its announcement, in Francis Lui’s ability to guide the company, stating that his leadership would “continue to bring satisfying benefits and positive impacts on the development of the Group’s businesses.” The promotion from Deputy Chairman, a position he has held since 1997, was widely anticipated due to his instrumental role in GEG’s management and growth.

Remembering Lui Che Woo

Lui Che Woo, who founded Galaxy Entertainment Group, was a visionary in the gaming and hospitality industries. Born in Jiangmen, Guangdong, in 1929, Lui’s early life was marked by adversity. He moved to Hong Kong at the age of four and, by 13, was forced to leave school due to regional conflicts. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to sell car parts and later import second-hand heavy machinery for construction projects. This venture earned him his first fortune.

In the 1950s, Lui founded K Wah Group, establishing himself in the building materials business and earning the nickname “King of Quarrying.” Over the decades, he expanded into tourism, hospitality, and eventually gaming. In the early 2000s, Galaxy Entertainment obtained a gaming license in Macau, transforming the company into one of the region’s most prominent casino operators. Under his leadership, GEG became the first gaming company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2005 and was included in the Hang Seng Index in 2013.

Lui Che Woo’s passing was met with an outpouring of tributes. GEG’s board noted that his “vision, tremendous leadership, and guidance were the foundations for the Group’s growth and continued success.” Despite his death, the company assured stakeholders that operations would continue seamlessly under the strategies set by the board.

Francis Lui’s leadership and achievements

As the new Chairman, Francis Lui brings decades of experience and a track record of innovation to GEG. Since joining the company in 1997, he has been instrumental in its rise to prominence within Macau’s competitive gaming market. Under his leadership, GEG has expanded its offerings and completed landmark projects like the Galaxy International Convention Center, Andaz Macau, and Raffles at Galaxy Macau in December 2023. The company is also set to open Capella Macau in mid-2025.

Francis Lui’s contributions extend beyond GEG. He is the Vice-Chairman of K Wah Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate and construction materials across Hong Kong, mainland China, and Singapore. He also holds significant roles in several organisations, including the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Chamber of Tourism of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

Recognised for his leadership and influence, Francis Lui was named the most influential person in the Asian Gaming Power 50 list in 2024. His achievements have also been acknowledged by the French government, which awarded him the insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2021.