He is succeeded by Mr Bennett Neo who will formally assume the position of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) on 1 October 2025. As part of the leadership transition, Mr Neo will be appointed GCEO Designate from 1 September, with Mr Barclay staying on as Advisor until 31 October 2025.
Piyush Gupta, Chairman, Mandai Wildlife Group, said: “I would like to thank Mike for his steadfast leadership and contributions over the past decade as he guided the Group through its most ambitious transformation. While Mike fostered a values-driven and guest-centric culture internally, he also strengthened partnerships across the conservation and zoological communities. His consistent focus on people and purpose has had a strong impact on the Mandai family. Mike’s legacy is reflected not just in the physical transformation of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, but in the stronger and more mission-focused organisation he helped to shape.”
Mr Gupta added, “I warmly welcome Bennett, whose deep experience aligns with our next phase of growth, innovation, and service to both communities and the planet. Given where the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is in its evolution, it is important for us to move ahead together with a leader who brings demonstrated business skills and strong alignment with our purpose and values.”
Mr Bennett Neo is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of regional and international experience spanning the energy, offshore marine, logistics, and FMCG sectors across Asia, Europe and the United States. Most recently, he served as Group Chief Operating Officer at Sembcorp Industries. Mr Neo has held multiple CEO roles, including at Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation, one of the biggest publicly listed companies in Vietnam. Outside of his corporate commitments, he enjoys being in nature - trekking and climbing mountains.
