Geoff Hogg assumed the temporary leadership role of Star Entertainment Group on June 1st, succeeding John O’Neill, who stepped down from his position.

Hogg was designated as the interim head last week following O’Neill’s resignation, after only two months in the interim executive chairman position. This occurred just a week before O’Neill was scheduled to provide testimony at a NSW investigation concerning The Star.

Hogg marks the third executive leader at Star Entertainment Group in a span of just over two months. This follows the departure of former CEO and managing director Matt Bekier in late March, prompted by concerns raised in an ongoing assessment.

Hogg’s new position will provide him with an annual compensation of A$1 million, exceeding his previous salary of A$700,760 as Queensland’s chief casino officer. Bekier, the former CEO, received an annual salary of A$1.9 million, as per Star Entertainment Group’s 2021 financial report.

Star Entertainment Group announced today that they will continue their search for a permanent CEO, a process initiated following Bekier’s resignation in March. The company stated that the agreement with Hogg is subject to termination by either party with one month’s notice.

O’Neill, who previously served as chairman of the operator, was appointed interim executive chairman on April 1st following Bekier’s departure.

Throughout his tenure as chair, Mr. O’Neill dedicated a significant portion of his time to scrutinizing the operations of Star Entertainment Group. The organization faced accusations of collaborating with exclusive VIP areas connected to criminal enterprises and lacking sufficient anti-money laundering safeguards.

The New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority undertook a comprehensive examination of Star Entertainment Group’s operating license. Numerous employees of Star Entertainment Group provided testimony during the review, corroborating these accusations. Mr. O’Neill was the final individual to present evidence, on May 23rd.

The review of Sydney’s Star Casino commenced in June 2021, with a primary focus on determining the casino’s eligibility to retain a license in New South Wales. The allegations presented during the proceedings included claims that senior executives at Sydney’s Star Casino intentionally misled regulatory bodies, engaged in illicit cash transactions within VIP rooms, and were cognizant that these transactions violated anti-money laundering regulations.

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