The Star Entertainment Group has declared that David Foster has resigned from his position as Chairman. Board member Anne Ward will assume the role immediately.
Foster took on the Chairman’s role in December of 2022, succeeding Ben Heap. He joined the Star Entertainment Group board in August of 2022. Before joining the Star Entertainment Group, Foster had over 25 years of experience in the financial sector. This included serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Suncorp Bank. He also served on boards across a variety of industries, including finance, retail, government, education, and professional services.
Foster will continue to be a part of the Star Entertainment Group board for a period of time. He will also continue to fulfill his existing executive responsibilities. He will also remain on the boards of related subsidiary companies until other individuals can take over.
Ward now leads the Star Entertainment Group.
The Star Entertainment Group moved quickly to appoint Ward as the new Chairman. The appointment is effective today (April 29). It is noteworthy that Ward joined the Star Entertainment Group board at the same time as Foster.
Ward has a wealth of experience across the finance, banking, insurance, technology, healthcare, government, education, tourism, and entertainment industries. Her career has spanned areas such as business management, strategy, governance, risk, and finance.
She was a member of the Crown Resorts board from September 2021 until June 2022. Ward stepped down after Blackstone finished its takeover.
Ward has also been the head of the Victoria Zoo, Qantas Retirement Fund, Symbio, and Fleixgroup. She is presently also a director of the non-profit organizations Image Research and Articore, previously known as Redbubble, an online platform for independent artists.
Several key individuals have departed the company since the second stage of the Bell investigation commenced.
Foster’s exit is the most recent in a series of high-profile departures from the hotel chain since the second stage of the Bell investigation began in February. The investigation, known as Bell Two, will run until May 31 and is a follow-up to the infamous Bell Report.
The initial report revealed shortcomings in Star Sydney’s anti-money laundering and social responsibility practices and suggested 30 steps to enhance practices. A year after the report was released, a report indicated that Star had implemented 22 of the 30 recommendations.
The second stage of the investigation is focused on the culture of Star and the impact of the first Bell report.
Since the investigation started, Star has declared a series of high-profile personnel changes.
Last month, Robbie Cook resigned as group CEO and managing director. Christina Cassibuba is also scheduled to leave, serving as CFO.
Cook took over as CEO of Star in November 2022.
This sequence of events saw the appointment of a fourth chief executive within a twelve-month period. Matt Bekier, John O’Neill and Geoff Hogg previously held the position. Bekier stepped down amidst a probe by the *Sydney Morning Herald* into Star Entertainment.
Meanwhile, Katsibouba is departing the organization to explore new opportunities. Neale O’Connell, the former chief financial officer of the Tatts Group, will assume the role temporarily.
Interestingly, Foster also took on the additional responsibility of Executive Chairman while seeking a new leader.
This month, Star Entertainment Group also revealed that Jessica Mellor would be relinquishing her position as CEO of Star Entertainment Gold Coast. Her departure is scheduled for May 24th.
Mellor has been at the helm of Star Entertainment Gold Coast since last October. Upon assuming this position, she became the company’s youngest and first female CEO. She had been with Star Entertainment Group for four and a half years in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer.
Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.
