Post by : Badri Ariffin

Star Entertainment has initiated a major shift in its leadership, with Bruce Mathieson Jr appointed as chairman as the casino operator wrestles with financial difficulties and regulatory challenges.

This appointment strengthens the Mathieson family's hold, which, in partnership with U.S. firm Bally's, transitioned its rescue loans into equity this year. The board has confirmed the departure of chairwoman Anne Ward.

Headquartered in Sydney, Star is Australia's second-largest gaming company and is actively striving to avert bankruptcy due to years of intense regulatory scrutiny impacting its financial capacity. The company had relied on an emergency funding package of A$300 million ($196 million) led by Bally's and the Mathieson family to help maintain operations.

Following these changes, Bally's controls about 38% of Star Entertainment, while the Mathieson family retains roughly 23%. Bally's board members, including chair Soo Kim and president George Papanier, have also been appointed as nominees on Star's board.

Bruce Mathieson Jr, the son of seasoned industry leader Bruce Mathieson Sr, steps into this pivotal role amid calls for the firm to regain stability and re-establish trust.

These leadership shifts indicate heightened oversight by key stakeholders as Star navigates a critical period of restructuring, governance enhancements, and financial recovery efforts. While no additional leadership changes have been signaled, this move underscores a determined push to fortify control and direction in the face of ongoing challenges.

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