MURRAY INTERNATIONAL GROUP

Casino Oceanus at Jai Alai opened on December 15th 2009. Oceanus is a mass market oriented property and the is the only casino directly accessible from the Macau Ferry Terminal, with over 260 table games and over 560 slot machines on three floors, plus a variety of food and beverage outlets and retail shops. Murray International provided comprehensive pre-opening project management services, worked closely with the Architects and designers, led the space planning, operations development and critical path processes. Oceanus opened one month ahead of schedule, significantly under budget and has proven to be a highly efficient, and successful casino operation. Several additions to the property are under development. Click here to see a video of the opening of Casino Oceanus at Jai Alai.

L'Arc opened in September 2009. Murray International lead the operations development team and the critical path process to ensure that the casino was opened on time, within budget, adopted industry best practices and exceeded the owners expectations.  Murray International consulted on space planning, design specifications, and operations development and provided comprehensive pre-opening project management. The property is the first in Macau to offer casino, hotel and residential components under one roof. 

In May 2007, Murray International was engaged by Macau Success Ltd., to lead the Pre-Opening Critical Path process and Operations Development for Ponte 16 Resort, Hotel & Casino in Macau. Murray International confirmed a target opening date, developed a detailed timeline, a master critical path, then launched and facilitated the critical path process. Murray International facilitated Ponte 16's front and back of house space allocation, product and service mix, room data sheets, floorplans and layouts. Ponte 16's Operating criteria, Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, Processes and Guest Service Standards were developed. Best practices in Casino operations were implemented in all areas. Murray International worked closely with Sofitel, Macau Success' Hotel partner to coordinate the opening. And, with Cairncross Martin, on FF&E, OS&E and Outsourced Service specification and procurement. Click here to view a video of the opening of Ponte 16.

In 2006, Murray International was contracted by SJM, the largest casino operator in Macau with 18 Casinos, owned by Dr. Stanley Ho. As part of the Joint Ventures and Business Developments Division, Murray International was responsibile for Operations Development and Pre-opening activities for all new Casinos. In 2007, Niall Murray was appointed as the Director of Operations Development for SJM. Since joining SJM, projects have included the opening of the Grand Lisboa, Ponte 16, the design of an integrated resort on the Cotai Strip, a VVIP Casino & Club, and numerous property upgrades. Current projects include leading the opening process and the development teams for L'Arc Resort & Casino, and the Oceanus Casino in Macau. 

In November 2006, Murray International was hired by the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau to lead the Pre-Opening Critical Path process. Murray International determined a target opening date, developed a detailed timeline, master critical path, then launched and facilitated the critical path process. Grand Lisboa's space allocation, product and service mix, Floorplans and Layouts were reviewed and revised. Staffing levels were adjusted, Operating criteria, Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, Processes and Guest Service Standards were updated. And, the recruitment, training & development processes were optimized. In addition, Murray International assisted with FF&E, OS&E and Outsourced Service specification and procurement. Post-opening, Murray International directed a number of internal projects such as the Lower Ground Floor remodel, back of house space planning and re-allocation, and the completion of the VIP gaming areas.  Click here to view a video of the opening of the Grand Lisboa.

In mid-2004 Niall was promoted to Vice President of Operations Development for The Venetian Macau and The Cotai Strip (6 additional resort, hotel, casino, residential, retail and infrastructure developments). He was responsible for all aspects of operations development, planning, and coordination of pre-opening tasks/activities for the Cotai Strip. Niall compiled the US$3.8 billion pre-opening budget (including expenses, FF&E, OS&E, Inventory & Payroll). Developed  the pre-opening staff hiring matrix, histogram and organization charts (10,500 team members). Facilitated the space planning, floorplan and operational design reviews and change request process for all areas of  The Venetian’s, 675 table game, 5000 slot casino; 3,000 suite hotel, 1.1 million sq. ft. convention center, 850,000 sq.ft., Grande Canal Shoppe’s, 66,000 sq. ft spa, 2,000 seat showroom, and 15,000 seat stadium. Niall defined The Venetian Macau's product and service mix, operational frameworks, operating criteria, systems, processes, policies and procedures. Designed and facilitated an integrated operations project plan and opening critical path. In addition, Niall co-designed the automated procurement process, prepared detailed FF&E, OS&E lists and Outsourced Service specifications. Click here to view a video of the construction of The Venetian Macau.  Click here to view a video of the opening of The Venetian Macau.  Click here to view a video of The Cotai strip. 

In 2004, Niall was appointed Senior Director of the Sands Casino in Macau, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. His reponsibilites included the Pre-Opening Planning and Critical Path Process, Operations Development, leading 14 departments and a team of 1,800. Niall, was reponsible for Financial Planning & Bugeting,  Sourcing & Procurement, front and back of house Space Planning, Floorplan and Layout design.  In addition, he was responsible for developing Sands Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, Processes, Training & Development programmes. 

Niall Murray joined the Pre-Opening Leadership Team at The Venetian as a Director of Training & Development in 1998. The Venetian Opened with 3,000 Suites, 1,000,000 sq,ft. of Cenvention Space and and The Grand Canal Shoppes. Niall was reponsible for developing Property-Wide Policies, Standard Operating Procedures and The Venetian Standards, "The Keys to Unmatched Service." Facilitating the Critical Path Process, Mass Hiring Process, and all Orientation, Executive, Leadership and Front-line Training & Development programmes. Later, Niall led the Pre-Opening Critical Process for the 1,024 suite Venezia Tower and Convention space expansion. In addition, Niall designed and successfully implemented numerous Operational and Human Performance Consulting interventions.

At Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Niall Murray played a central role in planning, facilitating the critical path process; opening the 1,200 guest room Palace Tower; the 180,000 sq. ft. Convention Center; redefining concepts, renovating and re-launching 8 Restaurants, Buffets, a Multi-Station Foodcourt and 10 Bars. Redesigning the Hotel Operations Mass Recruitment Process, Training & Development Programs, Standard Operating Procedures, Guest Service Standards and Quality Assurance Programmes. And, as a member of Caesars World Corporate Steering Committee and Master Trainer, leading the development and implementation of "The Legacy of Excellence" Service Training Programme.

Disneyland Resort Paris with its 15,000 cast members, 5,600 room, 7 property resort, and theme park opened in 1992. As a member of the Opening Management Team, Niall Murray played a significant role in Pre-Opening Planning, Procurement, Staff Recruitment, Training and the Development of Standard Operating Procedures, Processes and Guest Service Standards. Post-Opening Resort Operations Management and the implementing Quality Control Programs. Click here to view a video of Disneyland Resort Paris.

The Bayangol Hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion project, and radical improvements in service standards. Murray International was commissioned to conduct a service audit, develop and deliver training workshops on world-class hospitality service standards and guest expectations. The workshops outlined the service standards and best practices employed by the leading hotel chains, hotel rating criteria used by awarding bodies such as Mobil and AAA and mystery shopping services. The custom workshops were delivered to senior management, department heads and front-line staff. The outcome was a redefinition of Bayangol's service standards and operating criteria, and the implementation of a multi-phased service improvement action plan.