Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has announced the addition of two new non-executive directors to its Board, including former Crown Resorts director Anne Ward.
Ward, who hails from Melbourne, had joined Crown in January but stepped down after only six months following The Blackstone Group’s acquisition of the company in June.
The former commercial lawyer is described by Star as “an experienced company director with expertise in business management, strategy, governance, risk and finance and broad industry experience spanning financial services, banking, insurance, technology, healthcare, government, education, tourism and entertainment.” She is currently chair of ASX-listed ecommerce group Redbubble Ltd and communication software provider Symbio Holdings Ltd.
Also bolstering the Star Entertainment Group board is former Suncorp Bank CEO David Foster – a veteran chairman and non-executive director of several companies across the financial services, retail, government, education and professional services sectors.
Foster currently holds several ASX-listed company directorships, including Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd, and is Chairman of G8 Education Ltd, the largest ASX-listed childcare and early education operator, Star said.
The appointments follow a comprehensive boardroom cleanout by Star in the wake of a recent inquiry into the operations of The Star Sydney – the findings of which are due to be handed down this month.
“Anne and David bring a relevant set of skills to our Board at this important juncture,” said interim Star chairman Ben Heap. “They have extensive experience in highly regulated industries, impressive backgrounds in risk and compliance, and invaluable leadership insights forged during their respective careers in law and banking.
“Along with fellow Non-Executive Directors, Michael Issenberg, Richard Sheppard, Katie Lahey AM and Gerard Bradley AO, I welcome Anne and David as we continue to refresh The Star’s Board.”
