Star Hires Robbie Cooke as CEO in Bid to Chart Recovery

Angus Whitley, Bloomberg News

The Star complex, operated by Star Entertainment Group Ltd., in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Star is optimistic business at its Australian casinos will soon return to pre-pandemic levels as the remaining Covid restrictions are eased and international tourists return. , Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Star Entertainment Group Ltd. named Robbie Cooke as chief executive officer as the Australian casino operator attempts to recover from a damaging regulatory inquiry.

Cooke’s appointment is subject to regulatory approvals and his start date will be confirmed later, Star said Wednesday. Cooke was CEO of lottery operator Tatts Group from 2013 to 2018 and is currently managing director of Australian financial technology provider Tyro Payments Ltd.

The inquiry into Star in New South Wales state, home to the company’s flagship Sydney casino, has heard allegations Star misled the gaming regulator and allowed money laundering to take place. A final report is due by the end of August.

Read more: Cascade of Allegations Threatens Future of Australian Casinos

Former CEO Matt Bekier resigned in March, precipitating a boardroom cleanout. The inquiry heard that when consultants tried to tell Star that it may not be complying with anti-money laundering laws, Bekier grew “hostile” and labeled the report as “wrong,” the Australian Financial Review has reported.

“There are challenges for The Star that have been well documented,” Cooke said in a statement. “They will be my priority and focus. Ensuring continuity of the business through a comprehensive renewal program is of paramount importance.”

The state of Queensland, where Star runs casinos in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, this month announced an independent review into the company’s fitness to run the sites.

(Adds details of inquiry in third paragraph.)