The Star confirms departure of Steve McCann as CEO – G3 Newswire

Summary

The Star Entertainment Group has confirmed that Steve McCann will step down as Group CEO and Managing Director effective 16 December 2025. Bruce Mathieson Jnr will take on additional duties as Executive Chair while a search for a permanent CEO is carried out. McCann will remain available to assist with government and regulator relations during a handover period until 8 July 2026.

The board has seen several changes following an investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings Pty Ltd: Soo Kim and George Papanier were appointed to the board as Bally’s nominees; Anne Ward and Deborah Page AM resigned as directors; Bruce Mathieson Jnr was elected Chairman; Peter Hodgson was named interim Chair of the Audit Committee; and Eirene Garnsey was added as Company Secretary.

Key Points

Steve McCann leaves his role as Group CEO and Managing Director effective 16 December 2025.
Bruce Mathieson Jnr assumes extra duties as Executive Chair and has been elected Chairman of the Board.
McCann will remain available until 8 July 2026 to assist with handover on government and regulator matters.
Bally’s Corporation’s investment prompted board reshuffle and the appointment of Soo Kim and George Papanier as nominees.
Chair Anne Ward and Non-Executive Director Deborah Page AM resigned from the board.
Peter Hodgson appointed interim Chair of the Audit Committee; Eirene Garnsey appointed additional Company Secretary.
The Star cites progress on a financial reset and Remediation Plan as foundations for its next chapter.

Context and Relevance

This departure comes amid a strategic investment by Bally’s and follows a period of crisis and remediation at The Star. The leadership change is significant for investors, regulators and industry watchers because it signals a fresh phase for the company — potentially influencing future asset decisions, regulatory engagement and the execution of recovery plans. It also fits into a wider trend of international casino operators increasing involvement in Australian assets.

Why should I read this?

Short version: big boss out, Bally’s steps up, new chair in charge — things are moving fast. If you follow Australian casino operators, investor activity or regulatory developments, this update cuts straight to what matters: leadership change, who’s running the show now, and how long the handover lasts. Handy if you want the gist without digging through the full release.