Operator News
Australia – The Star appoints John O’Neill as Interim Executive Chairman
By Phil - 4 April 2022
The Star Entertainment Group has appointed John O’Neill AO as Executive Chairman on an interim basis, effective immediately.
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has commenced the search for a new Managing Director and CEO following the resignation of Mr Matt Bekier, announced on 28 March 2022. Mr Bekier will be available in the short term to provide handover assistance as the Board requests. Mr O’Neill will lead the company as Executive Chairman until a new Managing Director and CEO is appointed.
The Board will also embark on a program of renewal in a timely manner. Mr Michael Issenberg’s appointment as a Non-Executive Director (subject to regulatory approvals) was announced on 17 February 2022. Further announcements will be made in due course.
While the Board considers it critical that the company has stability in this transitional period to a new Managing Director and CEO, it acknowledges the need for accelerated Board change. As The Star continues to focus on its day to day business it is also committed to its more than 8,000 team members after two years of COVID related shutdowns and restrictions. A review of The Star Sydney being undertaken by Mr Adam Bell SC is ongoing. The Star continues to
cooperate fully. The Board has resolved that Mr O’Neill be paid additional remuneration of $1,500,000 per annum ($125,000 per month) while he performs the Executive Chairman role, bringing Mr O’Neill’s total remuneration to $2,001,458 per annum while in that role
