Jennifer Cronin Appointed Interim CEO of The Star Gold Coast as Regulatory Pressure Mounts
Leadership Overhaul Signals Star’s Bid to Regain Regulatory Confidence
The Star Entertainment Group has announced a wave of high-level executive and subsidiary board appointments as part of its continued efforts to satisfy regulatory conditions and stabilise its corporate governance framework. Central to the announcement is the appointment of Jennifer Cronin as Interim CEO of The Star Gold Coast, a role she will hold for up to 12 months pending final regulatory approval. Cronin will also serve as a director of the Queensland licensee entity.
The changes follow a turbulent period marked by sustained regulatory scrutiny, including independent inquiries in both New South Wales and Queensland into the group’s suitability to hold casino licences. In response, Star is actively working to decentralise decision-making, restructure internal leadership, and restore public and stakeholder confidence.
Key Appointments Across Risk, Legal, HR, and Technology
In a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), The Star confirmed several additional senior appointments:
Rowena Craze promoted to Group Chief Risk Officer from her previous role as Chief Audit Officer.
Patrick McGlinchey named Group Chief Legal Officer, bringing considerable regulatory and legal expertise.
Sarah Derry will become Chief People Officer effective 1 July, reinforcing the company’s focus on internal culture reform.
Peter Meliniotis joins as Group Chief Information Officer (CIO), a critical role in supporting digital transformation and data governance.
Together, these executives are tasked with implementing stronger compliance protocols and aligning operations with the group’s revised governance model.
Board-Level Changes Reflect Decentralisation Strategy
The group’s broader decentralisation initiative was further underscored by the appointment of Helen Galloway as the incoming independent Chair of The Star Sydney licensee board. While currently an observer, her appointment—subject to ministerial and regulatory approval—is intended to foster independence and localised oversight.
This decentralisation aligns with The Star’s commitment to comply with post-inquiry governance frameworks introduced by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) and the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR). These frameworks demand more autonomous, locally accountable leadership at each casino venue.
Financial Rescue Plan Hinges on Bally’s Investment
The leadership updates also arrive just ahead of a critical shareholder vote scheduled for 25 June, where investors will decide whether to approve a AU$300 million ($201 million) funding package led by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings. If passed, the deal could result in Bally’s obtaining a controlling interest in The Star.
Star Group CEO Steve McCann said the appointments “add depth of experience and talent at both board and executive levels,” describing the changes as “a key step in The Star’s progress to suitability.” The company has emphasised that rebuilding trust with regulators, investors, and the public remains its highest priority.
Outlook: Rebuilding Through Transparency and Talent
With the regulatory spotlight still firmly fixed on its operations, The Star’s latest appointments reflect a clear shift toward transparency, decentralisation, and risk mitigation. The challenge now lies in how effectively these new leaders can drive cultural and operational change while navigating the potential impact of a major ownership reshuffle.
If successful, the overhaul may pave the way for The Star to retain its casino licences, avert further sanctions, and ultimately restore its standing as one of Australia’s key gaming operators.
