(Reuters) – Star Entertainment said on Monday its executive chairman David Foster will step down just weeks after being named to the role, deepening an exodus of senior management at the struggling Australian casino operator.
The management’s departure comes as the casino operator faces a second investigation into its Sydney casino operations to determine whether Star is fit to operate the Star Sydney casino or hold a casino licence.
Foster, who became chairman in March 2023, took on additional executive responsibilities late last month after the casino operator’s CEO Robbie Cook and CFO Christina Katsibuba announced their departures.
Earlier this month, Jessica Mellor, chief executive of Queensland’s Star Gold Coast Casino – the youngest and first female casino executive – announced her resignation without explanation.
Anne Ward, an independent and non-executive director appointed to Star’s board in November 2022, will take up the role of Chair with immediate effect.
Star has yet to find a permanent replacement for its CEO position.
A casino operator is facing a second investigation into its operations in Sydney after its casino operating license was suspended in October 2022 because the regulator was “not satisfied” with the company’s progress in implementing corrective measures in Sydney.