Former Chairman David Foster has officially stepped down from the Board of Directors of Star Entertainment Group some two months after giving evidence at a second inquiry into the company’s suitability to hold a NSW casino license.
Star announced Monday that Foster had ceased his executive responsibilities and resigned as a director with effect from 21 June 2024. He had previously resigned as Chairman in April after fronting the inquiry, where he outlined details of discussions he had held with former Star CEO and Managing Director Robbie Cooke about going to war with the NSW Independent Casino Commission and that he wanted the regulator replaced by a body that would also oversee the state’s pubs and clubs industry. Foster was replaced as Chairman by Anne Ward
Star also said Monday that it is still searching for Cooke’s replacement but confirmed it has progressed its recruitment process and expects to make an announcement in the “near term”.
As an interim measure, current Interim Group Chief Financial Officer Neale O’Connell has been appointed Acting CEO, albeit in addition to his existing duties as Group CFO.
Ward, the company added, has assumed additional responsibilities of her own in the absence of Foster.
A final report on Star’s suitability is due by August.