Geoff Hogg has resigned as acting chief executive of Australia’s Star Entertainment Group after just under four months in the role.
Hogg took on the position on a temporary basis in June this year, becoming the third person to led the business in the space of just three months.
Matt Bekier stepped down as CEO and managing director in late March in connection with issues raised during the review of Star’s operations in New South Wales, while John O’Neill, who replaced Bekier, also left after less than two months as executive chair.
Hogg came in as acting CEO at the same time that Ben Heap was named as interim chair of the business, but will now step down from the role and all other positions at Star.
In July, it was announced that Robbie Cooke would become managing director and CEO of Star on a full-time basis, though it was not confirmed when he would join the business.
The Star board accepted Hogg’s resignation, though his final departure date is yet to be determined. Hogg will continue to work with the board to transition his executive responsibilities in an orderly manner.
Heap will assume the role of executive chairman, on an interim basis, effective immediately and serve in the role until Cooke joins the group. Star noted that Heap declined to be paid any additional remuneration while he is acting as executive chairman.
Hogg’s departure comes after Star earlier this month was declared unsuitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales and given 14 days to respond to the findings before disciplinary action is taken.
Adam Bell SC’s report into wide-ranging misconduct at Star Sydney found that the business’ dealings with the troubled junket operator SunCity represented “a breach” of Star’s casino licence, as well as uncovering a slew of social responsibility failings.
Shortly after the report was published, Heap set out the operator’s immediate priorities to address the issues set out by Bell.
