Soo Kim took over as Chairman of The Star Entertainment Group following a board meeting on 16 December. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, who previously held the Chairman role, stepped down and will become CEO pending final contract terms.
The board lost two members immediately. Non-Executive Directors Peter Hodgson and Toni Thornton both resigned, shrinking the board to just three people. Kim now leads alongside Mathieson Jnr and George Papanier.
Steve McCann, the outgoing CEO and Managing Director, officially departs 16 December. But he’ll stick around in an advisory capacity until July 2026. His role will focus on regulatory and government relationships during the transition period.
Why The Star Needs This Reset
The Australian casino operator faces intense regulatory scrutiny in New South Wales and Queensland. These pressures aren’t letting up anytime soon.
Bally’s Corporation recently came in as a strategic investor, setting the stage for broader ownership changes. The company needs leadership that can handle both regulators and this shift in control structure.
Mathieson Jnr brings operational experience the board values right now. Kim emphasised this in his statement: “We are fortunate to have Bruce lead our company as CEO.”
The board also needs stability after months of upheaval. A smaller, more focused group might move faster on remediation requirements.
What Changed at Board Level
The company will release Mathieson Jnr’s employment contract terms to the ASX once finalised. Standard practice, but timing matters given regulatory oversight.
The board meeting yesterday formalised these changes quickly. Two directors out, one Chairman shifted to CEO, and a new Chairman installed within 24 hours.
McCann’s extended availability through mid-2026 isn’t typical. It shows how critical regulatory relationships are during this period. The Star can’t afford any disruption in those conversations.
The company previously said it’s hunting for a permanent CEO with regulated gaming experience. That search continues even with Mathieson Jnr stepping in.
How This Affects The Star’s Path Forward
Regulatory cooperation remains the top priority. NSW and Queensland authorities still have The Star under close watch, and remediation milestones aren’t complete.
Kim and Papanier joining the board signals confidence from Bally’s side. They wouldn’t put their people in these roles without believing the company can turn things around.
The smaller board structure could speed up decision-making. Three members can align faster than five, especially when dealing with urgent regulatory demands.
But The Star still faces significant operational challenges. Remediation work takes time and resources. The company needs to prove it can meet obligations while running profitable casino operations.
The leadership changes position The Star for what comes next under Bally’s influence. Whether that’s enough depends on how quickly the company can satisfy regulators and stabilise operations.
