Early Life
Lawrence Ho was born in Hong Kong in 1977. He is the son of Stanley Ho, the prominent Macau casino magnate, and his second wife, Lucina Laam King Ying. Ho spent his early childhood in Hong Kong before moving to Canada. He attended Upper Canada College and graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor's degree in commerce in 1999. He later received an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University in 2009.
Rise to Success
Ho's career began in investment banking, with roles at Jardine Fleming's Asia Derivatives Group and Citibank. In 2001, he took over operations at Melco International, shifting the company's focus to leisure and entertainment. Ho partnered with James Packer's Crown Limited, creating Melco Crown Entertainment in 2004, where he served as CEO and executive director. Melco Crown secured a gaming license in Macau in 2006 and expanded into non-gaming amenities, earning several awards for its properties. Ho led the company through significant expansions, including City of Dreams Macau, Studio City, and City of Dreams Manila. In 2017, Melco acquired a controlling stake in City of Dreams Mediterranean Casino in Cyprus.
Key Business Strategies
Ho's strategic vision centered on creating integrated resorts with a new style of entertainment. He focused on diversifying Melco's offerings beyond gaming to include entertainment, dining, and hospitality. Ho aimed to attract a broader customer base, and invested in non-gaming ventures, including the establishment of a high-end entertainment company. He also focused on international expansion, with projects in the Philippines, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka.
Philanthropy
Lawrence Ho has been a dedicated philanthropist, though specific amounts are not readily available. He has donated to institutions such as the University of Hong Kong and Po Leung Kuk.
