
Okada Manila is set to undergo a significant leadership transition this September, as its parent company, Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment (TRLEI), has announced a change in its top executive role.
After a successful seven-year tenure, President and Chief Operating Officer Byron Yip will be stepping down from his position.
Effective September 15, 2025, the role will be assumed by Nobuki Sato, a seasoned executive from TRLEI’s parent firm, Universal Entertainment Corporation (UEC).
The move is positioned as a strategic step to guide the integrated resort through its next phase of growth and innovation.
Mr. Sato is a familiar face within the organization, currently serving as the Senior Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at UEC.
He has also been a member of TRLEI’s Board of Directors since March 2023, ensuring a deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategic objectives.
With over two decades of high-level experience in finance, hospitality, and strategic operations, Sato is well-equipped to take the helm.
To ensure a seamless transition, Mr. Yip will continue to manage daily operations and assist with the handover process throughout September.
The change comes after a period of significant achievement under Yip’s leadership. He was instrumental in elevating Okada Manila’s international prestige, most notably guiding the resort to achieve the coveted Forbes 5-Star distinction for six consecutive years.
This makes Okada Manila the largest integrated resort in the Philippines to currently hold such a prestigious rating.
Tomohiro Okada, President of UEC, praised Yip’s contributions and expressed full confidence in Sato’s ability to build on this legacy and steer the company toward continued operational excellence and long-term value creation, particularly as it expands its digital offerings like the Okada Online Casino.