The Star Gold Coast CEO Jessica Mellor Steps Down Amid Regulatory Challenges

Jessica Mellor, the youngest and first female CEO of The Star Gold Coast, has announced her resignation from the position, effective 24 May 2024. Mellor, who assumed the role in October 2023, has decided to step down after a brief six-month tenure.

During her time as CEO, Mellor played a significant role in the development of The Star Gold Coast as a premier tourism and entertainment destination. She oversaw initiatives such as a $2bn master plan, which was part of a joint venture consortium aimed at enhancing the property's offerings and attracting visitors.

Following Mellor's resignation, Ian Brown, the current General Manager Gaming at The Star Gold Coast, is set to take on additional responsibilities as acting CEO, pending regulatory approval. To ensure a smooth transition and continuity of key projects, Mellor has agreed to provide support to The Star until September 2024.

David Foster, Executive Chair of The Star, acknowledged Mellor's contributions, stating, "Jessica has led The Star Gold Coast through some challenging times, including through COVID and has been instrumental in developing the Gold Coast property into an iconic world-class integrated destination resort with our joint venture partners. Jessica has decided the time is right to move on and she leaves with both the Board's and my personal thanks for her tireless efforts as CEO of The Star Gold Coast."

However, Mellor's resignation comes amidst a turbulent period for The Star Entertainment Group, which has been facing allegations of misconduct and regulatory breaches. These allegations surfaced during an ongoing inquiry into the company's culture by the NSW Independent Casino Commission.

Testimony from Nicholas Weeks, the special manager appointed by the commission, revealed concerning incidents within the operator, including claims of falsified welfare checks on poker machine players and discrepancies in compliance records. These allegations have raised questions about the company's adherence to regulatory standards and the effectiveness of its internal controls.

The Star Entertainment Group has also undergone significant leadership changes in recent months. CEO Robbie Cooke and CFO Christina Katsibouba both resigned amid the ongoing regulatory scrutiny and market apprehensions. Cooke's departure was triggered by concerns about his suitability for the role in light of the inquiry in New South Wales.

As The Star Entertainment Group navigates these regulatory challenges and leadership transitions, the company remains committed to maintaining its position as a leading entertainment and tourism destination. The appointment of Ian Brown as acting CEO of The Star Gold Coast is expected to provide stability and continuity during this period of change.

Moving forward, The Star Entertainment Group will need to address the concerns raised by the regulatory inquiry and work to restore confidence in its operations. This may involve implementing enhanced compliance measures, strengthening internal controls, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability throughout the organization.

Despite the challenges faced by the company, The Star Gold Coast remains a significant contributor to the local economy and a key player in the tourism industry. Under new leadership, the property will continue to focus on delivering exceptional experiences to its guests while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining the highest standards of integrity.