The Star Entertainment Group has declared that David Foster is relinquishing his role as Chairman, effective immediately. Annie Ward, a member of the Board of Directors, will assume his position.
Foster assumed the role of Chairman in December 2022, succeeding Ben Heap. He joined the Star Entertainment Group Board in August 2022.
Before joining Star Entertainment Group, Foster accumulated over 25 years of experience in the financial sector, including serving as the chief executive of Suncorp Bank. He also served on the boards of various companies across diverse industries, including finance, retail, government, education, and professional services.
Foster will remain on the Star Entertainment Group Board for a period and will continue to fulfill his existing managerial responsibilities. He will also continue to serve on the boards of related subsidiary companies until other individuals can assume his positions.
Ward’s appointment as Chairman of Star Entertainment Group is effective today (April 29th). Notably, Ward joined the Star Entertainment Group Board concurrently with Foster.
Ward possesses extensive experience in the financial, banking, insurance, technology, healthcare, government, education, tourism, and entertainment sectors, holding positions encompassing business management, strategy, governance, risk, and finance.
She served on the Crown Resorts board from September 2021 to June 2022. Ward departed the board after Blackstone concluded its takeover.
Ward has also acted as chairperson of Victoria Zoo, Qantas Super, Symbio, and Fleixgroup. She is presently also a director of the non-profit organization Imaging Research and Articore, an internet marketplace for independent artists formerly known as Redbubble.
The departure of prominent figures continues, with the second phase of the Bell inquiry in progress.
Foster’s exit is the most recent significant personnel shift at Star Entertainment since the second phase of the Bell inquiry commenced in February. The investigation, termed “Bell Two,” will run until May 31 and is a follow-up to the notorious Bell Report.
The initial report uncovered shortcomings in Star Sydney’s anti-money laundering and social responsibility practices and suggested 30 steps to enhance practices. One year after the report’s publication, a report indicated that Star Entertainment had implemented 22 of the 30 recommendations.
The second phase of the investigation focuses on Star Entertainment’s corporate culture and the effect of the first Bell report.
Following the initiation of the investigation, Star Entertainment declared a series of senior management alterations.
Last month, Robbie Cooke stepped down as Group CEO and Managing Director. Christina Cassibuba is also slated to depart as Chief Financial Officer.
Cooke assumed the role of CEO of Star Entertainment in November 2022.
Throughout the previous twelve months, he assumed the role of the fourth chief executive officer of the company, succeeding Matt Bekier, John O’Neill, and Geoff Hogg. Bekier stepped down amidst an inquiry into The Star in New South Wales.
Concurrently, Cassibough will depart from the organization to pursue alternative endeavors. Neil O’Connell, the former chief financial officer of Tatts Group, will temporarily assume the leadership position.
Simultaneously, Foster has taken on the added responsibility of Executive Chairman while actively seeking a new chief executive officer.
This month, The Star Group also declared that Jessica Mellor would be relinquishing her position as chief executive officer of The Star Gold Coast. Her official departure date is scheduled for May 24th.
Mellor has held the position of chief executive officer of The Star Gold Coast since last October. She became the company’s youngest and first female chief executive officer. Prior to this, she served as the chief operating officer of The Star Group for four and a half years.
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