The Star Entertainment Group has confirmed a significant shift in its senior leadership and board composition, formalising changes that followed the departure of its previous chief executive and recent capital investment in the business. The updates were decided at a board meeting held on 16 December and mark another reset for the Australian casino operator as it continues to stabilise its governance structure.

Bruce Mathieson Jnr has stepped down from his role as chairman of the board and has been appointed chief executive officer, subject to the completion of final employment documentation. He will remain on the board as an executive director once the appointment is finalised, with the material terms of his CEO agreement to be disclosed to the ASX at a later date.

At the same meeting, Soo Kim was appointed chairman of the board. The group also confirmed the resignation of non-executive directors Peter Hodgson and Toni Thornton, effective immediately. Following these departures, the board now comprises Soo Kim, Bruce Mathieson Jnr, and George Papanier.

Leadership Transition Finalised After CEO Exit

The leadership changes follow the immediate departure of Steve McCann from the role of group chief executive. His exit took place on the same day as the board meeting that approved the new appointments, accelerating a transition that had been anticipated after weeks of internal change.

Mathieson Jnr’s move into the CEO role comes shortly after his arrival at the company. He joined the board as a non-executive director in mid-October before taking on the position of executive chair. With his appointment as chief executive, he relinquished the chair role to comply with governance expectations.

Mathieson Jnr brings more than three decades of experience across hotels, hospitality, and gaming. His background includes more than 11 years as chief executive of ALH Group, where he oversaw the merger with Endeavour Drinks to form Endeavour Group in 2019, followed by the demerger of Endeavour Group from Woolworths in 2021.

In comments released following the board meeting (pdf), new chairman Soo Kim said: “We are fortunate to have Bruce lead our company as CEO. George and I understand what an honour and responsibility it is to join and contribute to the Board. We are confident our best days are ahead.”

Board Reshuffle Follows Capital Injection

The latest governance changes come weeks after a new board lineup was announced and shortly after The Star secured a major capital injection. In late November, regulatory approvals were granted for US-based Bally Corporation to become a substantial shareholder in the group, alongside an increased stake held by Mathieson-controlled Investment Holdings.

The AU$300 million investment resulted in Bally Corporation holding an approximate 38 percent shareholding in The Star. As part of those arrangements, Soo Kim, who also serves as chairman of Bally Corporation, and George Papanier, Bally’s president and chief executive, joined The Star’s board.

The board composition remains subject to further regulatory processes. Don Pasquariello was named as a non-executive director in November, although ministerial and regulatory approvals are still pending.

Mathieson Jnr also issued remarks recognising the contribution of outgoing CEO Steve McCann, who led the group during a period of regulatory and financial pressure.

“On behalf of the Board I want to thank Steve for his strong leadership and hard work during one of the most complex and challenging periods for The Star,” Mathieson Jnr stated.

“Steve joined at a time of crisis for The Star and has helped to deliver a critical financial reset for the business and successfully progressed our Remediation Plan, which have laid the foundations for The Star’s long-term future success.

“We wish him well in his next endeavours.”

The Star said further updates will be provided to the market once the CEO appointment documentation is finalised. The company continues to operate under heightened regulatory oversight as it works to rebuild confidence following earlier compliance issues and structural changes.