Operator News
The Star’s Chief Executive and Finance Officer quits casino group before second inquiry
By Phil - 22 March 2024
Australia’s Star Entertainment has confirmed that its Chief Executive and Finance Officer have quit the troubled casino operator prior to a second investigation into its Sydney operations. The Star confirmed that Christina Katsibouba has decided to step down as Group Chief Financial Officer after nine years with the company.
Ms Katsibouba will be succeeded by Neale O’Connell who will join The Star as Interim Group CFO on 25 March 2024, bringing extensive listed company CFO experience in the gaming and leisure industries. Mr O’Connell was Global CFO of Corporate Travel Management (2019-21) and Group CFO at Tatts Group (2012-18), culminating in a 14-year career at Tatts Group. His extensive finance leadership experience includes overseeing the merger of Tatts and Tabcorp.
Having steered the finance function for the past two years, and nine years overall with the Company, Ms Katsibouba has decided to leave to pursue other interests. During her term Ms Katsibouba wa instrumental in implementing the Company’s capital structure initiatives during 2023.
Chair, David Foster thanked Ms Katsibouba for her dedication and resilience as Group CFO, and welcomed Mr O’Connell: “Christina stepped into the CFO role following the Bell inquiry in 2022 and after two challenging years has decided the time is right to move on. She leaves with both the Board’s and my personal thanks, for her tireless efforts as CFO, and as an executive with the Group. We wish her well.”
“Neale is a highly capable and credentialed replacement. With both an industry and listed company track record, he will bring new perspectives and leadership to our executive team. Star operates in a highly regulated environment and is going through significant internal change. Neale’s expertise from previous roles will be highly valued.”
