Board of Directors
Ron spearheaded partnerships with international studios such as Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Universal, Lionsgate and 20th Century, and also partnered governments for two original artefacts IP – ancient civilization Machu Picchu from Peru and Ramses the Great (Ramses II) from Egypt, to provide impactful exhibition experiences that are unique new avenues to grow the brands. This is in addition to expanding Cityneon’s portfolio of projects with multinational companies and government agencies globally.
With Ron at the helm and as key shareholder, Cityneon’s market capitalization has grown 35-fold from approximately S$20 million in 2014 to S$700 million today. Its FY2017 performance saw groundbreaking results with a 21% increase in revenue to S$116.7 million, half of which was contributed by the Intellectual Property Rights segment. Gross profit rose by 84% to S$63.8 million while margins grew from 36% to 54.7%. Net profit soared by over 160% to S$17.4 million.
In addition to financial performance, Ron has also brought Cityneon to greater renown, bagging awards in Singapore and the region, with the most recent being “Best Listed Company 2018” and for Ron himself, “Executive of the Year – Media & Entertainment”, at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2018.
Ron also chaired boards for companies listed locally and abroad, and was board member of international entertainment companies such as EMS Holdings, Hi-5 World and BASE Entertainment Asia.
Prior to that, he served in distinguished management positions at MediaCorp, LexisNexis Asia Pacific in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board of Singapore. Ron studied at The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College. He was awarded a scholarship by the Singapore government to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Ever the thought leader, Ron brings a dynamism that translates into a strong track record of performance and turnaround in high-paced organisations.
Ron spearheaded partnerships with international studios such as Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Universal, Lionsgate and 20th Century, and also partnered governments for two original artefacts IP – ancient civilization Machu Picchu from Peru and Ramses the Great (Ramses II) from Egypt, to provide impactful exhibition experiences that are unique new avenues to grow the brands. This is in addition to expanding Cityneon’s portfolio of projects with multinational companies and government agencies globally.
With Ron at the helm and as key shareholder, Cityneon’s market capitalization has grown 35-fold from approximately S$20 million in 2014 to S$700 million today. Its FY2017 performance saw groundbreaking results with a 21% increase in revenue to S$116.7 million, half of which was contributed by the Intellectual Property Rights segment. Gross profit rose by 84% to S$63.8 million while margins grew from 36% to 54.7%. Net profit soared by over 160% to S$17.4 million.
In addition to financial performance, Ron has also brought Cityneon to greater renown, bagging awards in Singapore and the region, with the most recent being “Best Listed Company 2018” and for Ron himself, “Executive of the Year – Media & Entertainment”, at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2018.
Ron also chaired boards for companies listed locally and abroad, and was board member of international entertainment companies such as EMS Holdings, Hi-5 World and BASE Entertainment Asia.
Prior to that, he served in distinguished management positions at MediaCorp, LexisNexis Asia Pacific in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board of Singapore. Ron studied at The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College. He was awarded a scholarship by the Singapore government to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Ever the thought leader, Ron brings a dynamism that translates into a strong track record of performance and turnaround in high-paced organisations.
Mr. Ko Chun Shun Johnson was appointed as the Executive Director of Cityneon Holdings Limited in December 2018. He is an entrepreneur and an active investor. Mr. Ko has invested in various listed and private companies across different industries including logistics, media, financial services, renewable energy, biotech, technology, etc. Mr. Ko is currently the deputy Chairman and an executive director of Frontier Services Group Limited (HKEX: 0500), and an executive director of Branding China Group Limited (HKEX：0863). He had previously served as the Chairman, and was previously the major shareholder of BOE Varitronix Limited (HKEX: 0710), Concord New Energy Group Limited (HKEX: 0182) and Yunfeng Financial Group Limited (HKEX：0376). Mr. Ko has extensive experience in direct investment, merger and acquisition, corporate advisory and capital markets.
Mr. Ko Chun Shun Johnson was appointed as the Executive Director of Cityneon Holdings Limited in December 2018. He is an entrepreneur and an active investor. Mr. Ko has invested in various listed and private companies across different industries including logistics, media, financial services, renewable energy, biotech, technology, etc. Mr. Ko is currently the deputy Chairman and an executive director of Frontier Services Group Limited (HKEX: 0500), and an executive director of Branding China Group Limited (HKEX：0863). He had previously served as the Chairman, and was previously the major shareholder of BOE Varitronix Limited (HKEX: 0710), Concord New Energy Group Limited (HKEX: 0182) and Yunfeng Financial Group Limited (HKEX：0376). Mr. Ko has extensive experience in direct investment, merger and acquisition, corporate advisory and capital markets.
Ms. Ko Wing Yan Samantha, was appointed as the executive director of Cityneon Holdings Limited in April 2019. She has extensive experience in capital markets, investments and business operations. Ms Ko is the Vice Chairlady and an executive director of BOE Varitronix Limited (HKEX:00710). She was an executive director of Concord New Energy Group Limited (HKEX:00182) and Yunfeng Financial Group Limited (HKEX:00376).
Ms. Ko holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College, U.S.A., and a Master Degree in Finance from the Imperial College, London. She has over 7 years of experience in the banking industries. Ms. Ko had served at HSBC (HK), Morgan Stanley (Hong Kong) and JP Morgan (London).
Ms. Ko Wing Yan Samantha, was appointed as the executive director of Cityneon Holdings Limited in April 2019. She has extensive experience in capital markets, investments and business operations. Ms Ko is the Vice Chairlady and an executive director of BOE Varitronix Limited (HKEX:00710). She was an executive director of Concord New Energy Group Limited (HKEX:00182) and Yunfeng Financial Group Limited (HKEX:00376).
Ms. Ko holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College, U.S.A., and a Master Degree in Finance from the Imperial College, London. She has over 7 years of experience in the banking industries. Ms. Ko had served at HSBC (HK), Morgan Stanley (Hong Kong) and JP Morgan (London).
Mr. Zhang Yichen was appointed as the Non-Executive Director of Cityneon Holdings Pte Ltd in May 2019. He is the Chairman and CEO of CITIC Capital Holdings Limited. Mr. Zhang began his career on Wall Street in 1987 at Greenwich Capital Markets. He later joined Bank of Tokyo as Head of Proprietary Trading, and Merrill Lynch as Managing Director of Debt Capital Market for Greater China. In 2000, he joined CITIC Group as the President of CITIC Pacific Communications and Executive Director for CITIC Pacific (now CITIC Limited). He founded CITIC Capital in 2002 and has been involved in all phases of the firm’s development since then. Under his leadership, CITIC Capital has led a number of landmark deals, investing in some of China’s leading companies, including McDonald’s China, Alibaba, Sina, Harbin Pharmaceutical, SF Express, AsiaInfo and Focus Media. He is the Chairman of McDonald’s master franchised business in China & Hong Kong, the Chairman of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Company, as well as the Chairman of GNC. He also sits on the boards of HKEX, Vanke, AsiaInfo, and SF Express.
Mr. Zhang is a leader in the alternative investment industry. He is an Executive Committee member and former chairman of the China Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA). He is also a vice chairman in Beijing Private Equity Association (BPEA), Tianjin Private Equity Association, and a vice chairman of the PE and Buyout Funds Committee under the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC).
Mr. Zhang is also a leader in political, economic and social communities. He is a member of the Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Senior Vice Chairman of Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a member of the Board of Trustees at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a council member of Future Forum, and a board member of Aiyou Foundation.
He obtained his degree in Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A strong believer in education, Mr. Zhang has been supporting Phillips Academy Andover as a trustee, Yale Asia Development Council as a council member, Dalton Foundation as a board member, Duke Kunshan University as an advisory board member, Westlake University as an external board member, and the Tianjin Juilliard School as an advisory board member.
Mr. Zhang Yichen was appointed as the Non-Executive Director of Cityneon Holdings Pte Ltd in May 2019. He is the Chairman and CEO of CITIC Capital Holdings Limited. Mr. Zhang began his career on Wall Street in 1987 at Greenwich Capital Markets. He later joined Bank of Tokyo as Head of Proprietary Trading, and Merrill Lynch as Managing Director of Debt Capital Market for Greater China. In 2000, he joined CITIC Group as the President of CITIC Pacific Communications and Executive Director for CITIC Pacific (now CITIC Limited). He founded CITIC Capital in 2002 and has been involved in all phases of the firm’s development since then. Under his leadership, CITIC Capital has led a number of landmark deals, investing in some of China’s leading companies, including McDonald’s China, Alibaba, Sina, Harbin Pharmaceutical, SF Express, AsiaInfo and Focus Media. He is the Chairman of McDonald’s master franchised business in China & Hong Kong, the Chairman of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Company, as well as the Chairman of GNC. He also sits on the boards of HKEX, Vanke, AsiaInfo, and SF Express.
Mr. Zhang is a leader in the alternative investment industry. He is an Executive Committee member and former chairman of the China Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA). He is also a vice chairman in Beijing Private Equity Association (BPEA), Tianjin Private Equity Association, and a vice chairman of the PE and Buyout Funds Committee under the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC).
Mr. Zhang is also a leader in political, economic and social communities. He is a member of the Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Senior Vice Chairman of Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a member of the Board of Trustees at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a council member of Future Forum, and a board member of Aiyou Foundation.
He obtained his degree in Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A strong believer in education, Mr. Zhang has been supporting Phillips Academy Andover as a trustee, Yale Asia Development Council as a council member, Dalton Foundation as a board member, Duke Kunshan University as an advisory board member, Westlake University as an external board member, and the Tianjin Juilliard School as an advisory board member.
Mr. Hooi Hing Lee was appointed as the Independent Director of Cityneon Holdings on 30 April 2019. Previously, he was the Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and a member of the Nominating and Remuneration Committees of Cityneon Holdings Limited since August 2017. Mr. Hooi obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia in June 1989. He was admitted as a member of the Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia in July 1990 and a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors in March 2006. Mr. Hooi has over 25 years of experience in the finance industry. He currently runs a private equity advisory company, pH Capital Limited in Hong Kong. Prior to that, he worked for a number of MNCs including Standard Chartered Bank (Chief Risk Officer, Taiwan), National Australia Bank in Australia and Hong Kong (Head of Corporate Banking, North Asia), and Cushman & Wakefield Capital Asia (Managing Director, Investment Banking).
Mr. Hooi Hing Lee was appointed as the Independent Director of Cityneon Holdings on 30 April 2019. Previously, he was the Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and a member of the Nominating and Remuneration Committees of Cityneon Holdings Limited since August 2017. Mr. Hooi obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia in June 1989. He was admitted as a member of the Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia in July 1990 and a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors in March 2006. Mr. Hooi has over 25 years of experience in the finance industry. He currently runs a private equity advisory company, pH Capital Limited in Hong Kong. Prior to that, he worked for a number of MNCs including Standard Chartered Bank (Chief Risk Officer, Taiwan), National Australia Bank in Australia and Hong Kong (Head of Corporate Banking, North Asia), and Cushman & Wakefield Capital Asia (Managing Director, Investment Banking).
Management Team
Ron Tan is the Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Cityneon Holdings and the CEO/President of Victory Hill Exhibitions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cityneon Holdings. As the key executive of Cityneon, Ron managed to transform the company to become one of the fastest-growing companies in Singapore.
Ron Tan was awarded the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019. As an industry thought leader and pivotal shareholder of Cityneon Group, he grew the group’s market capitalization 50-fold to $1.1 billion today.
Under his charge, he also led the company to greater heights by clinching awards in Singapore and the region, with the most recent being “Best Listed Company 2018” and “Executive of the Year – Media & Entertainment”, at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2018.
Strategically, Ron spearheaded global intellectual property partnerships with global studios such as Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Universal, Lionsgate and 20th Century, and also partnered governments for two original artefacts IP – ancient civilization Machu Picchu from Peru and Ramses the Great (Ramses II) from Egypt, innovating new and unique revenue streams to grow these billion-dollar brands globally.
Ron was a board member of local and international public-listed companies as well as for international entertainment companies such as EMS Holdings, Hi-5 World and BASE Entertainment Asia. Prior to that, he served in distinguished management positions at MediaCorp, LexisNexis Asia Pacific in Singapore & Hong Kong, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board of Singapore.
Always at the forefront of creating new and exciting experiences, Ron Tan continues to travel around the globe, looking for great ideas he can transform into unforgettable entertainment experiences.
Under the Singapore Government’s overseas scholarships, Ron graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA from the University of Hawaii in Moana with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Ron Tan is the Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Cityneon Holdings and the CEO/President of Victory Hill Exhibitions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cityneon Holdings. As the key executive of Cityneon, Ron managed to transform the company to become one of the fastest-growing companies in Singapore.
Ron Tan was awarded the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019. As an industry thought leader and pivotal shareholder of Cityneon Group, he grew the group’s market capitalization 50-fold to $1.1 billion today.
Under his charge, he also led the company to greater heights by clinching awards in Singapore and the region, with the most recent being “Best Listed Company 2018” and “Executive of the Year – Media & Entertainment”, at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2018.
Strategically, Ron spearheaded global intellectual property partnerships with global studios such as Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Universal, Lionsgate and 20th Century, and also partnered governments for two original artefacts IP – ancient civilization Machu Picchu from Peru and Ramses the Great (Ramses II) from Egypt, innovating new and unique revenue streams to grow these billion-dollar brands globally.
Ron was a board member of local and international public-listed companies as well as for international entertainment companies such as EMS Holdings, Hi-5 World and BASE Entertainment Asia. Prior to that, he served in distinguished management positions at MediaCorp, LexisNexis Asia Pacific in Singapore & Hong Kong, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board of Singapore.
Always at the forefront of creating new and exciting experiences, Ron Tan continues to travel around the globe, looking for great ideas he can transform into unforgettable entertainment experiences.
Under the Singapore Government’s overseas scholarships, Ron graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA from the University of Hawaii in Moana with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Welby’s exploits include a tenure as the overseeing Executive Creative Director of Creations at the iconic Cirque du Soleil where he spearheaded the creation of Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mexico. He was also the Creative Director for the world renowned Michael Jackson ONE show.
Today, he brings his creative vision and over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to craft new intellectual properties for Cityneon that partner global studios and feature superbrands such as Marvel, Hasbro, and Disney. These take form as thematic and immersive experiential environments, architectural concepts, interior designs, special events; and exhibitions.
At Cityneon, Welby leads design studios in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Singapore, with the latter being an expansion of the current design studio team. He inspires and guides the growing pool of talents at Cityneon and Victory Hill Exhibitions while expanding the network of world-class creators working with Cityneon.
His latest works include the fully integrated and operated Hunger Games exhibition in Las Vegas – the largest entertainment capital of the world. Award-winning work include an archery experience which won a Guinness World Record.
Welby’s preferred approach to driving creative innovation is by blending cutting-edge storytelling tools and time-tested artistic approaches, leading to the creation of a new generation of globally impactful, memorable and meaningful experiential projects that provide guests with lasting memories.
Welby’s exploits include a tenure as the overseeing Executive Creative Director of Creations at the iconic Cirque du Soleil where he spearheaded the creation of Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mexico. He was also the Creative Director for the world renowned Michael Jackson ONE show.
Today, he brings his creative vision and over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to craft new intellectual properties for Cityneon that partner global studios and feature superbrands such as Marvel, Hasbro, and Disney. These take form as thematic and immersive experiential environments, architectural concepts, interior designs, special events; and exhibitions.
At Cityneon, Welby leads design studios in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Singapore, with the latter being an expansion of the current design studio team. He inspires and guides the growing pool of talents at Cityneon and Victory Hill Exhibitions while expanding the network of world-class creators working with Cityneon.
His latest works include the fully integrated and operated Hunger Games exhibition in Las Vegas – the largest entertainment capital of the world. Award-winning work include an archery experience which won a Guinness World Record.
Welby’s preferred approach to driving creative innovation is by blending cutting-edge storytelling tools and time-tested artistic approaches, leading to the creation of a new generation of globally impactful, memorable and meaningful experiential projects that provide guests with lasting memories.
A veteran of large-scale projects in Asia and beyond, Mark is the driving force behind Cityneon’s corporate strategy and finance component.
He leverages over 20 years of experience in the Hospitality, Entertainment and Investment Management industry. With a keen nose for unlocking value, Mark was handed the reins of his family’s business before being headhunted by KPMG and taking on tenures such as Managing Partner and Head of Digital Assurance and Innovation at KPMG Netherlands from 2017 to 2018 and prior to that, Global Head of Leisure, Hospitality and Logistics for KPMG Hong Kong.
At Cityneon, Mark implements business strategies by overseeing execution of business models, cash flow management and fund raising which involves loan syndication of up to US$100 million, and equity raising. He is also the proponent for greater efficiency via restructuring to consolidate resources. In addition, Mark is entrusted with relationship managing for movie studios and is in charge of mergers and acquisitions of new IPs.
With one eye on the bigger picture, Mark sees beyond the numbers and is known as a team and culture builder that is constantly improving operational excellence.
A veteran of large-scale projects in Asia and beyond, Mark is the driving force behind Cityneon’s corporate strategy and finance component.
He leverages over 20 years of experience in the Hospitality, Entertainment and Investment Management industry. With a keen nose for unlocking value, Mark was handed the reins of his family’s business before being headhunted by KPMG and taking on tenures such as Managing Partner and Head of Digital Assurance and Innovation at KPMG Netherlands from 2017 to 2018 and prior to that, Global Head of Leisure, Hospitality and Logistics for KPMG Hong Kong.
At Cityneon, Mark implements business strategies by overseeing execution of business models, cash flow management and fund raising which involves loan syndication of up to US$100 million, and equity raising. He is also the proponent for greater efficiency via restructuring to consolidate resources. In addition, Mark is entrusted with relationship managing for movie studios and is in charge of mergers and acquisitions of new IPs.
With one eye on the bigger picture, Mark sees beyond the numbers and is known as a team and culture builder that is constantly improving operational excellence.
John Norman has been presenting iconic and priceless treasures to the public over the years by mounting some of the most popular museum and fine art traveling exhibitions of our time.
John has been a central part of many notable shows since the ‘90s, when he worked for Magicworks Entertainment in Cleveland, Ohio to oversee its touring shows, including The Magic of David Copperfield, Jesus Christ Superstar, and tours of Fleetwood Mac, Janet Jackson, NSYNC, Styx, and Pat Benatar.
Since then, John has further ventured and become heavily involved in the exhibitions space, producing numerous works, including Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, Victoria the T-Rex, Pompeii: The Exhibition, and Mummies of the World.
He has also produced multiple exhibitions of Tutankhamun (King Tut), namely, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs and Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh. Most recently, the 100th-anniversary tour of Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh set a record for the highest attended touring exhibition in Paris, attracting over 1.4 million visitors in just six months.
John boasts a long history of producing blockbuster exhibitions containing authentic artifacts, leading multi-national teams in the design, production, marketing, and sales for museum and fine art traveling exhibitions, and governments and leaders worldwide have entrusted him to work with their priceless treasures.
John is also an established leader in the entertainment and exhibitions industry. He was the senior VP of SFX Entertainment, co-president, and COO of Clear Channel Exhibitions, President of Arts and Exhibitions International, President of Premier Exhibitions, and Managing Director of IMG Exhibitions. In 2013, Bizbash, the leading trade media company in the events industry, named John one of the top 50 most innovative people in event production.
Over the years, exhibitions under John’s leadership have traveled and spanned six continents, brought enjoyment and education to over 35 million people, making him one of the most influential touring exhibition producers in the world.
John Norman has been presenting iconic and priceless treasures to the public over the years by mounting some of the most popular museum and fine art traveling exhibitions of our time.
John has been a central part of many notable shows since the ‘90s, when he worked for Magicworks Entertainment in Cleveland, Ohio to oversee its touring shows, including The Magic of David Copperfield, Jesus Christ Superstar, and tours of Fleetwood Mac, Janet Jackson, NSYNC, Styx, and Pat Benatar.
Since then, John has further ventured and become heavily involved in the exhibitions space, producing numerous works, including Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, Victoria the T-Rex, Pompeii: The Exhibition, and Mummies of the World.
He has also produced multiple exhibitions of Tutankhamun (King Tut), namely, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs and Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh. Most recently, the 100th-anniversary tour of Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh set a record for the highest attended touring exhibition in Paris, attracting over 1.4 million visitors in just six months.
John boasts a long history of producing blockbuster exhibitions containing authentic artifacts, leading multi-national teams in the design, production, marketing, and sales for museum and fine art traveling exhibitions, and governments and leaders worldwide have entrusted him to work with their priceless treasures.
John is also an established leader in the entertainment and exhibitions industry. He was the senior VP of SFX Entertainment, co-president, and COO of Clear Channel Exhibitions, President of Arts and Exhibitions International, President of Premier Exhibitions, and Managing Director of IMG Exhibitions. In 2013, Bizbash, the leading trade media company in the events industry, named John one of the top 50 most innovative people in event production.
Over the years, exhibitions under John’s leadership have traveled and spanned six continents, brought enjoyment and education to over 35 million people, making him one of the most influential touring exhibition producers in the world.
Darren Lim is a proven leader and executive with over 18 years of experience in the marketing industry. Over the years, he has worked with an impressive portfolio of fortune 500 brands in the Asia Pacific region. Diverse experiences also include mega program activations for brands and international participants in Beijing Olympics 2008, Shanghai World Exposition 2010, Astana Expo 2017 and most recently Dubai Expo 2020. He has also previously held key executive roles with experiential marketing agencies such as George P. Johnson/ Project:Worldwide and Pico Group. In his previous role prior to joining Cityneon, Darren Lim was the Senior Vice President of Pico+, spearheading the growth of Pico+ in China as well as its rollout and expansion in other regions including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the UK and the US. He was also the Head of the Pico Global Activation that is responsible for driving the growth of Pico group globally. Darren also holds a 2nd Upper Honors Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and did his executive programs with both NUS and CEIBS.
Darren Lim is a proven leader and executive with over 18 years of experience in the marketing industry. Over the years, he has worked with an impressive portfolio of fortune 500 brands in the Asia Pacific region. Diverse experiences also include mega program activations for brands and international participants in Beijing Olympics 2008, Shanghai World Exposition 2010, Astana Expo 2017 and most recently Dubai Expo 2020. He has also previously held key executive roles with experiential marketing agencies such as George P. Johnson/ Project:Worldwide and Pico Group. In his previous role prior to joining Cityneon, Darren Lim was the Senior Vice President of Pico+, spearheading the growth of Pico+ in China as well as its rollout and expansion in other regions including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the UK and the US. He was also the Head of the Pico Global Activation that is responsible for driving the growth of Pico group globally. Darren also holds a 2nd Upper Honors Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and did his executive programs with both NUS and CEIBS.
Always in the thick of the action, Michael was Director of Theatrical Services and Entertainment Operations at SeaWorld® San Diego before joining Victory Hill Exhibitions in 2015. He led a team of 149, which included crew operations, electronic services, technical production supervisors, theatrical maintenance, and media studios, as well as costume shop, wardrobe, and theming services.
Prior to that, Michael held the position of Operations Production Manager of the Cirque du Soleil® show “Mystère” at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for seven years. Departments under his purview included wardrobe, rigging, audio, carpentry, automation, lighting, and props. His career in Las Vegas actually started off as Technical Director for the world premiere of the show “STORM” at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, which prepared him to transition to Cirque du Soleil Inc. for the creation and installation of the show “KÀ”.
The professional stage of his touring career began with the VEE Corporation in Minneapolis, MN, as part of the “Sesame Street Live” international touring show, where he held multiple positions, including Technical Director, Head Rigger, and Carpenter.
At Cityneon, Michael worked on exhibitions for the Avengers, Hunger Games, Jurassic and Transformers. These were delivered across prominent locations such as Las Vegas, Singapore, Taipei, Beijing, Moscow and Norrköping.
Notable projects include launching a modified version of a Jurassic exhibition within the confined environment of the Lotte Mall in Seoul. In contrast, Michael also delivered the largest Jurassic exhibition in Madrid which spanned a 2,600 square meter space.
In addition to industry work, Michael also devoted four years to develop and instruct two undergraduate/graduate-level courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for Entertainment Engineering and Theatre students. He holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In his free time he continues to mentor, coach, and motivate young adults in the entertainment industry, as well as support local and national organizations that serve the mentally and physically disabled community.
Always in the thick of the action, Michael was Director of Theatrical Services and Entertainment Operations at SeaWorld® San Diego before joining Victory Hill Exhibitions in 2015. He led a team of 149, which included crew operations, electronic services, technical production supervisors, theatrical maintenance, and media studios, as well as costume shop, wardrobe, and theming services.
Prior to that, Michael held the position of Operations Production Manager of the Cirque du Soleil® show “Mystère” at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for seven years. Departments under his purview included wardrobe, rigging, audio, carpentry, automation, lighting, and props. His career in Las Vegas actually started off as Technical Director for the world premiere of the show “STORM” at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, which prepared him to transition to Cirque du Soleil Inc. for the creation and installation of the show “KÀ”.
The professional stage of his touring career began with the VEE Corporation in Minneapolis, MN, as part of the “Sesame Street Live” international touring show, where he held multiple positions, including Technical Director, Head Rigger, and Carpenter.
At Cityneon, Michael worked on exhibitions for the Avengers, Hunger Games, Jurassic and Transformers. These were delivered across prominent locations such as Las Vegas, Singapore, Taipei, Beijing, Moscow and Norrköping.
Notable projects include launching a modified version of a Jurassic exhibition within the confined environment of the Lotte Mall in Seoul. In contrast, Michael also delivered the largest Jurassic exhibition in Madrid which spanned a 2,600 square meter space.
In addition to industry work, Michael also devoted four years to develop and instruct two undergraduate/graduate-level courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for Entertainment Engineering and Theatre students. He holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In his free time he continues to mentor, coach, and motivate young adults in the entertainment industry, as well as support local and national organizations that serve the mentally and physically disabled community.