The Star Entertainment Adds MGM China Ex-CEO to Board

The Star Entertainment Group Limited, an Australian casino and hospitality company, announced a new addition to its board of directors. The company said that the appointment aligns with its ongoing recovery efforts and ambition to achieve strong sustainability.

Another Strong Addition to The Star’s New Management

According to The Star’s official ASX announcement, industry heavyweight Grant Bowie has joined its team as a non-executive director. The company added that the addition to its board is subject to regulatory and ministerial approvals.

As part of The Star’s board, Bowie will serve as a NED and observer, helping the company reach its sustainability targets.

As the former MGM China CEO, Bowie boasts a strong track record in the gaming industry. According to The Star, its new director has worked in the tourism, gaming and hospitality sectors for some 4 decades.

Bowie’s career kicked off in the finance sector as he occupied a variety of roles in public accounting and consulting across New Zealand, the US, and Australia. He spent some 16 years at the Hilton Hotels Corporation in Australia, occupying a variety of executive roles, including ones related to the company’s Gold Coast and Brisbane gaming operations.  

Bowie moved to Macau in 2003, joining Wynn Resorts, before eventually moving to its competitor, MGM Resorts. During his time with the two casino giants, Bowie held leadership, management, strategic development, and expansion responsibilities.

Bowie’s appointment as an observer and NED was welcomed by Soo Kim, chair of The Star.

I would like to welcome Grant to the Board and look forward to working with him to assist in delivering our strategic objectives and creating a sustainable future for The Star.

Soo Kim, chair, The Star

The Star Sold Its DBC Interest

In other news, the Group recently announced in an ASX release that it has completed the previously announced sale of its interest in Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC). The deal saw The Star sell its stake in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, ultimately reducing the company’s debt amid a turbulent period.

The embattled company has been facing a wealth of trouble for several years, with most of it stemming from its lax AML controls, which resulted in significant regulatory scrutiny. The company was deemed unsuitable to hold a license in New South Wales and Queensland due to the severity of its shortcomings and faced investor backlash.

Luckily for The Star, its new majority owner, Bally’s, seems to be bullish on fixing the previous management’s shortcomings and turning over a new leaf.