The Star Entertainment Group has declared the appointment of Scott Wharton as the new chief executive officer of The Star Sydney. He will also assume the leadership role of the transformation division.

Wharton joins the Star Entertainment Group after a tenure of over six years at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). His most recent position was head of project delivery, having previously held the position of Executive General Manager.

Before his time at CBA, he held various positions at Citigroup, including the role of Global Head of Supply Chain and Managing Director. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Supply Nation.

Wharton will report to Robbie Cooke, the incoming CEO and Managing Director of the Star Entertainment Group. Cooke’s appointment was announced in late June.

“I am thrilled to join the Star Entertainment Group during this pivotal period,” Wharton stated. “The Star plays a significant role in the economies of New South Wales and Queensland, serving as a major employer and a catalyst for tourism in both states.

“I eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with the Star team, as well as regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.”

Interim Chair Ben Heap added, “Scott brings exceptional qualifications to the position and will spearhead the renewal program across the group. His leadership at CBA was recognized as one of Australia’s most comprehensive corporate culture transformations.”

This individual exhibits strong leadership traits, excels at working closely with regulatory bodies to drive substantial change, and possesses a wide range of business capabilities and experience in managing intricate operations, making them a perfect fit for this crucial position.

Warton will assume the role as the independent investigation into Star Sydney Casino continues. The review commenced last June, triggered by concerns regarding the intermediary company’s interactions and anti-money laundering practices.

The extent of the inquiry was broadened in January 2022 to encompass other entities within the group. The Star Sydney review was initially planned to conclude in June but has been extended to the end of August to allow for additional witnesses to present evidence.

Public hearings into the casino’s activities have thus far revealed a series of accusations, including that Star Sydney permitted intermediary operator Suncity to operate its own enclosures at the casino, where they exchanged chips for cash, in violation of New South Wales’ casino control regulations.

The case also asserts that Star Sydney’s statements about developing policies to mitigate risks such as money laundering, corruption, bribery, insider trading, and gambling product usage limits were misleading or deceptive.

Matt Bekier, Star Sydney’s long-standing Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, has stepped down from both roles in response to the issues raised during the Star Sydney Casino review.

The company named John O’Neill as the temporary head, but he was replaced by Jeff Hogg a couple of months later, who took the top position on June 1. However, it was later revealed that Cook would be named the chief executive and managing director.

The company stated that Wharton has been chosen to lead the transformation division, continuing to build its transformation office, which is guiding the company’s renewal strategy as it focuses on operations in New South Wales and Queensland.

Last month, an independent review of the company’s suitability to hold a casino license in Queensland was declared.

The renewal strategy includes a series of actions focused on governance, culture, training, and risk and compliance systems and technology, while also combining and expanding existing work programs in risk and compliance functions and implementing new programs to improve operations.

“The renewal strategy began months ago, and while we have a lot of work ahead, we are satisfied with the initial progress,” said Ship. “This plan is crucial to reimagining how we operate.

“It is about strengthening systems and controls to help ensure our casinos are not vulnerable to criminal influence and to create an environment where we work together and cooperate with regulators.”

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