The Star Entertainment Group has selected veteran American casino executive John Koster to lead The Star Sydney, marking another step in the company’s ongoing restructuring following a change in ownership and continued financial pressure.

The appointment, which remains subject to regulatory approval, places Koster at the helm of the Sydney property at a time when the group is implementing cost reductions and operational changes. He most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of Bally’s Lake Tahoe in the United States and previously held senior leadership roles within Caesars Entertainment and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. His career has included positions in Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

Leadership Changes After Bally’s Investment

In a social media statement announcing the move, The Star described Koster as “an accomplished casino and hotel executive with more than 40 years of industry experience, including nearly three decades in senior leadership roles across multiple US states and internationally recognized resorts and hotels such as Caesars Entertainment, Eldorado Resorts and Harrah’s.”

According to Inside Asian Gaming, the company added that “Having worked across five countries, John also brings diversified cultural exposure and a proven track record in leading large-scale hotel and casino organizations”.

Koster replaces Janelle Campbell, who began in the role in February 2024 and announced her departure in November. His arrival follows a broader leadership overhaul at the embattled operator.

The Star’s executive reshuffle comes after Bally’s Corp and Investment Holdings Pty Ltd acquired a controlling 61% stake in the company. Under the new ownership structure, Bally’s holds a 38% interest, and its chairman, Soo Kim, has assumed the role of chairman of The Star group.

Alongside Koster’s appointment in Sydney, the refreshed management team includes Investment Holdings’ Bruce Mathieson Jr as CEO and Managing Director. Since taking control, the new leadership has introduced cost-cutting initiatives aimed at stabilizing the business. These measures include reducing approximately 40 senior management roles and dismantling the corporate office structure.

As part of this restructuring, the group is transferring “essential support functions” from the central corporate office back to the property level in Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Management has indicated that this shift will allow individual properties to regain operational control over key functions.

The executive changes follow a period of significant financial strain. In its latest financial results, The Star reported a loss of AU$109.7 million (US$77.4 million) for the fiscal half year ending December 31, 2025. The company also cautioned that “there remains material uncertainty regarding the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern”.

Regulatory and Operational Challenges in Sydney

Koster steps into the role while The Star Sydney continues to operate under heightened regulatory scrutiny. In September, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission extended the suspension of the property’s casino license until March 31, 2026. That extension places additional pressure on the operator as it works to demonstrate improvements in governance and compliance.

The Sydney property remains central to The Star’s recovery strategy. Koster’s experience across multiple jurisdictions and resort environments is expected to influence how the property addresses operational performance and regulatory expectations.

His background includes senior leadership roles across multiple US states and internationally recognized brands, including Caesars Entertainment, Eldorado Resorts and Harrah’s. The Star emphasized his extensive industry tenure and international exposure when announcing the appointment.

The group’s broader turnaround plan involves refinancing debt, reducing expenses and reassessing parts of its asset portfolio. Management has framed these changes as necessary steps to maintain liquidity and stabilize operations.