Mark Brown is out of IPI

Mark A. Brown

Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC chair and former chief executive officer Mark A. Brown has stepped down from his post, according to an email from the Hong Kong-based company.

Brown, who served as IPI’s first CEO before moving on to serve as its chairman in 2016, was reportedly out of IPI since Dec. 20, 2017 according to documents obtained by Saipan Tribune. The documents specified that Brown reportedly left to pursue “stronger familial ties” in the U.S. mainland.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Brown reportedly left the CNMI before the holidays of 2017.

In a statement, IPI said that Brown’s decision to leave is respected.

“Imperial Pacific extends its deepest appreciation to Mr. Brown for his commitment to the company and wishes him well in all his future undertakings,” the statement said.

“As Imperial Pacific’s chairman, Mr. Brown assumed an active role in Imperial Pacific’s fundraising activities and activities relating to the CNMI government, including the Commonwealth Casino Commission. Mr. Brown’s hard work and dedication to his duties as CEO and chairman have set a strong foundation for Imperial Pacific’s future success in the CNMI.”

Attempts to contact Commonwealth Casino Commission executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero over the weekend to obtain comments were not immediately answered.

In a brief interview with Joseph Reyes, vice chair of the casino commission, IPI has yet to inform them of Brown’s resignation, though he mentioned he could be expecting something today.

According to documents reportedly obtained from the CCC, the board was “proud” to have had Brown for the past three years.

“Mr. Brown’s leadership and expertise were a major contribution to our success,” the statement said, adding that after the completion of Best Sunshine Live, Brown distanced himself from day-to-day operations and focused on fundraising and Saipan governmental relations.

“During those past two years of working closely with the Saipan Casino Control Commission, Mr. Brown forged deep bonds with the people of Saipan, and he will be greatly missed,” said the statement, adding a brief note expressing their gratitude and wishing Brown well in his future endeavors.

As IPI’s first CEO, Brown successfully launched IPI’s first casino—the Best Sunshine Live—which was formerly situated at the T Galleria in Garapan.
Best Sunshine Live opened on July 26, 2017, and closed down last July 6, 2017, when the IPI Initial gaming facility was moved to its permanent gaming location at the Imperial Pacific Resort.