Australian tycoon James Packer quits family firm because of mental health problems
Casino mogul and eighth richest Australian has previously admitted having problems with depression
Australian tycoon James Packer has quit his family firm Consolidated Press Holdings as he recovers from mental health issues, a spokesman said on Monday, months after he stepped down from gaming empire Crown Resorts.
Packer’s departure from his private investment vehicle is the latest step by one of Australia’s richest people – who has previously spoken about his battles with depression – to walk away from his business commitments.
“Mr Packer has stepped off the CPH board as he continues his recovery from illness,” a spokesman for the firm said in a brief statement.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said Packer resigned from the board on June 27, with the notice confirmed to the corporate regulator on Friday.
With a personal fortune estimated at A$3.9 billion (US$2.9 billion), Packer had long controlled the two companies built up by his family over three generations.