Operator News

Australia – Star Entertainment appoints Jessica Mellor as Star Gold Coast CEO

By Phil - 17 October 2023

The Star Entertainment Group has appointed Jessica Mellor as Gold Coast CEO, pending all necessary regulatory approvals.

The promotion of Ms Mellor from Chief Operating Officer at The Star Gold Coast is part of an organisational restructure that will see the creation of property-based Operational Business Units in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney. Each Business Unit will be led by a property-based CEO reporting directly to the Group CEO and Managing Director, Robbie Cooke. The Star is progressing the appointment of CEOs in Sydney and Brisbane.

Ms Mellor was The Star Gold Coast’s youngest and first female COO when appointed to the
position in 2019. Since that time, she has been responsible for one of Queensland’s biggest tourist attractions, comprising luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, entertainment, events, gaming and resort facilities, and a team of more than 2,500.

Mr Cooke said: “I’m delighted Jess has accepted the CEO position at The Star Gold Coast. Over the past four years, through some incredibly challenging times, Jess and the Gold Coast team have delivered a world-class tourism, entertainment and gaming destination.”

Mr Cooke added: “The organisational changes being implemented are designed to simplify our
structure and provide clearer operational accountability at each of our Gold Coast, Brisbane and
Sydney properties. The new structure will provide greater responsibility and decision-making power at
a property level while maintaining appropriate oversight from the Group level.”

Ms Mellor joined The Star in 2019, prior to which she was Executive Director and CEO of Aquis
Entertainment Limited whose assets at the time included Casino Canberra.

Ms Mellor said: “When I joined The Star in 2019, I was so grateful to be in a position to take on an
amazing opportunity whilst also returning to my hometown. This new role takes it to another level. For
me the focus has always been on delivering amazing experiences for our guests and being part of the
fabric of the Gold Coast community.

“There have been some testing times over the past four years, particularly during the COVID-19
pandemic and the agility required to keep adapting day to day. But the Gold Coast is resilient, it’s
innovative, and there is an extraordinary future ahead of our city and The Star can be such a
significant contributor to that.”