New CEO for The Star Entertainment Group
Following major investment in The Star Entertainment Group by Bally’s Corporation, based in the US, and the local Investment Holdings last year, The Star’s group CEO, Steve McCann, stepped down from the helm in mid-December.
“The strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings Pty Ltd provides an opportunity for The Star to move in a new direction and pursue a pathway to recovery and future growth,” said McCann in a statement to the ASX at the time of his departure.
“Now is the right time for new leadership to be put in place with the experience and passion to build on that momentum and take The Star forward.”
The following day, Bruce Mathieson Jnr was announced as the company’s new CEO.
Mathieson’s family controls Investment Holdings, which is The Star’s second largest investor after Bally’s, holding a 23 per cent stake in the company.
Mathieson Jnr has more than three decades of experience in hotels, hospitality and gaming.
As he was chair of the board prior to stepping into the CEO role, Mathieson Jnr has been replaced at the helm of the board by Soo Kim, who is chair of Bally’s Corporation.
Since the announcement of The Star’s new CEO, both its chief financial officer, Frank Krile, and its chief operating officer, Jeannie Mok, have resigned.
New CEO for The Fresh Collective
With The Fresh Collective’s founder, Peter McCloskey, stepping back from day-to-day operations of the catering business, the company’s chief operating officer, Carl Contractor, has moved up into the CEO role.
Contractor has been with The Fresh Collective since 2017, bringing to the company almost two decade of experience in hotels and food and beverage, including as director of food and beverage for both Four Points by Sheraton in Sydney and Hyatt Regency Sydney.
“I’m honoured and humbled to step into this role, and I look forward to building on the 27-year legacy Fresh has built over the years,” said Contractor.
“At The Fresh Collective we are all about creating partnerships with our teams, clients, contracts and customers.”
Encore appoints new regional GM
Encore Event Technologies has appointed Jack Illeperuma has the production company’s regional general manager for Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
Illeperuma joins Encore from Crown Melbourne, where he spent over 13 years in various events and food and beverage roles.
“Jack’s extensive international experience and proven leadership in hospitality and events make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Encore’s international managing director for APAC and EMEA, Scott Nodsle.
“His commitment to operational excellence and people-focused approach will further strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional event experiences for our clients and partners across the region.
“I look forward to seeing Jack’s impact as we continue to grow and innovate together.”
Two new faces join the Victorian Convention and Event Trust
Andrew Fairley AM and Glenn Carmody have been appointed trustees for the Victorian Convention and Event Trust, which operates both Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the forthcoming Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
Fairley is a commercial and equity lawyer with significant board level experience in the visitor economy, including as a director of Tourism Victoria and as deputy chair of Tourism Australia’s board.
Carmody is a partner at EY, having been with the consultancy for 36 years. He is also a current director at the Victoria Racing Club.
“Andrew Fairley and Glenn Carmody’s exceptional experience in governance, finance and tourism will strengthen the Victorian Convention and Event Trust as we continue to deliver outstanding events that drive jobs, visitation and economic growth for Victoria,” said Victoria’s tourism, sport and major events minister, Steve Dimopoulos.
