Three Star Entertainment, a prominent casino operator, has revealed that three high-ranking executives have left their positions. This includes Harry Theodore, the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
The departures of Theodore, Chief Casino Officer Greg Hawkins, and Chief Legal and Risk Officer Paula Martin were approved by the company. Although Star Entertainment Group did not provide specific reasons for their exits, the timing is noteworthy.
The resignations arrive shortly after an independent examination of Star and its Sydney casino was extended for two months. This examination, led by Adam Bell SC, was initially set to finish on June 30th but is now scheduled to continue until August 31st. The extension was made to allow more individuals to provide testimony, and summonses have been issued for additional people to appear.
In the interim, Christina Kazibuba has been named as the temporary Chief Financial Officer, and Jeff Hogg will serve as the temporary Chief Casino Officer for New South Wales and Queensland. A recruitment firm has been assigned the task of finding permanent replacements for the three departing executives.
During the summer of 2022, worries about the relationships between The Star Sydney and exclusive guest areas, along with anti-money laundering regulations, prompted an initial inquiry. In the first month of this year, the investigation broadened to encompass other organizations within the group.
In March, Matt Bekier, who had been in charge as CEO and Managing Director of The Star Sydney for an extended period, stepped down from both roles due to issues brought to light in the ongoing examination of The Star Sydney casino.
In his departure letter, Bekier declared that as Managing Director and CEO, he was accountable for the “effectiveness and sufficiency of the company’s procedures, rules, personnel, and atmosphere.”
In April, The Star Sydney revealed the selection of John O’Neill as temporary executive chairman, taking effect immediately. O’Neill will assume the leadership of the company from Bekier.
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