Industry veteran brings experience from Asia’s top integrated resorts as Vietnam’s coastal mega-complex enters next growth phase
Hoiana Resort & Golf, one of Vietnam’s most prominent integrated resort destinations, has appointed seasoned gaming executive David Jorden as its new Executive Vice President (EVP) of Gaming. The move marks another significant leadership change at the central Vietnam property, following its acquisition by Hong Kong-based VMS Group earlier in 2025 and a renewed push for expansion and operational refinement.
Deep Regional Experience from Asia’s Casino Powerhouses
Jorden’s extensive background includes high-level roles at several of Asia’s most successful integrated resorts. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Newport World Resorts in the Philippines, where he oversaw multi-channel marketing and loyalty programs. His tenure there lasted three years, ending in May 2025.
Prior to that, Jorden spent six years at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa, rising to Vice President for Casino Marketing and Business Development. He also previously held a senior marketing role at Marina Bay Sands, further reinforcing his credentials in handling large-scale, premium gaming operations.
His new role at Hoiana puts him at the helm of a gaming floor that features 140 live dealer tables, 200+ slot machines, and electronic games catering to both mass and VIP segments. Jorden is expected to bring his regional expertise and data-driven marketing strategies to boost performance and streamline customer engagement, particularly as Hoiana looks to compete with regional heavyweights in Macau, Manila, and Singapore.
Reinvention Under VMS Group: Leadership and Investment Surge
Jorden’s appointment comes amid a larger strategic repositioning of Hoiana under VMS Group. Earlier in 2025, long-time CEO Steve Wolstenholme stepped down. His successor, Alan Teo, assumed the CEO role of Hoi An South Development—Hoiana’s promoting entity—in March. Teo previously served as COO of Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc., developers of the NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu, Philippines.
In tandem with these executive shifts, VMS Group unveiled a US$1 billion second-phase expansion plan, aimed at scaling Hoiana’s footprint across gaming, hospitality, and leisure. The project includes new entertainment zones, expanded luxury accommodations, and broader MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) capabilities.
Aiming for Long-Term Dominance in Vietnam’s Integrated Resort Market
Since its opening in 2020, Hoiana Resort & Golf has steadily evolved into a key pillar in Vietnam’s tourism strategy, drawing visitors from across Asia. Its existing offerings span four premium hospitality brands, including Hoiana Hotel & Suites and the recently launched New World Hoiana Beach Resort, boasting over 330 rooms.
With Vietnam’s government gradually loosening its stance on domestic gambling and foreign tourism bouncing back, Hoiana’s expansion trajectory—backed by strong leadership appointments like Jorden’s—positions it to capitalise on renewed regional interest. As global operators continue to eye Southeast Asia as the next frontier for integrated resort development, Hoiana is making bold moves to assert its relevance and elevate its market share.
Jorden’s leadership will likely focus on driving premium customer acquisition, enhancing operational efficiency, and aligning gaming strategies with broader hospitality objectives as part of Hoiana’s new vision under VMS stewardship.
