The Star Entertainment Group has made several high-profile appointments, including key roles in its executive team and subsidiary boards. These changes come at a critical time for the company as it aims to rebuild and restructure following years of operational and financial difficulties. The appointments are part of the company’s ongoing effort to improve its governance framework, which has been under increased scrutiny by regulators and investors alike.

Key appointments to strengthen governance and operations:

The new appointments follow a period of operational challenges for Star, including scandals and declining financial performance, which have led to an intense regulatory review. The company is also moving toward decentralizing its management structure, a step that aligns with its new governance framework as agreed upon with the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).

Among the most notable changes, Jennifer Cronin has been named as the interim CEO for The Star Gold Coast, where she will oversee operations for up to 12 months while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Cronin, a hospitality veteran with extensive experience in global hotel chains like The Ritz-Carlton and Wharf Hotels, brings a wealth of experience in hospitality and marketing to this role. She has also been appointed as a director of The Star Entertainment Qld Custodian Pty Ltd, which holds the license for the Gold Coast casino, pending regulatory approval.

Additionally, Rowena Craze has been appointed as the Group Chief Risk Officer. Craze, who previously served as the Chief Audit Officer at The Star, will be responsible for leading the company’s risk management and internal audit functions. Patrick McGlinchey, a seasoned legal executive, has been officially appointed as the Group Chief Legal Officer after having served as the interim legal head since joining the company in August 2024.

Sarah Derry has also been appointed as the Chief People Officer, effective July 1, 2025, after having received full regulatory approval. She will oversee all aspects of talent management and workforce development across the Star group. Lastly, Peter Meliniotis, a technology transformation expert, has been appointed Group Chief Information Officer, taking over the role after joining The Star earlier this year.

These changes are part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at stabilizing the company after a difficult period marked by regulatory challenges and financial losses. The Star has faced ongoing concerns about its leadership structure, with multiple inquiries into its suitability to hold a casino license in New South Wales.

Governance overhaul and decentralization plan:

The company has also appointed Helen Galloway as the independent Chair of The Star Sydney, a role that will see Galloway oversee the company’s operations in Sydney. Galloway, an experienced leader with past roles at Marina Bay Sands and Sands China, is set to bring an outsider’s perspective to the management of The Star Sydney. Her appointment will help ensure that the company adheres to the revised governance framework agreed with regulators. Galloway’s tenure as Chair will last for an initial term of three years, with her official appointment pending regulatory and ministerial approvals.

As part of its decentralization plan, The Star is placing more responsibility in the hands of its property-level management teams, which includes enhanced oversight and decision-making capabilities at the Gold Coast, Sydney, and Brisbane operations. The company has been working closely with regulators to ensure that these changes will meet the expectations set by both the NICC and OLGR.

Star Entertainment’s leadership reshuffle is seen as an essential move toward stabilizing the company and restoring confidence with both regulators and investors. The company has faced intense public scrutiny after reporting financial struggles, including significant losses in the 2025 fiscal year. It also experienced a delay in reporting its financial results, which only added to the pressure it has been under.

In addition to its leadership changes, Star is negotiating a critical $300 million funding deal with Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings. If approved, this deal could see Bally’s take a controlling stake in the company, providing much-needed capital to help The Star navigate its current challenges.

“Finalizing these key appointments is a significant step for The Star as we continue our work to meet regulatory standards and rebuild our business,” said Steve McCann, Group CEO and Managing Director, in a press release. “These appointments add significant expertise to our executive and board teams, which will be crucial in our ongoing efforts to regain suitability and restore financial stability.”