Star appoints former Crown boss Steve McCann as CEO

The news: Embattled casino operator Star Entertainment Group has named former Crown Resorts boss Steve McCann as its new chief executive officer and managing director.

The context: McCann will start the role on 8 July, subject to regulatory approvals. He is the former CEO of rival Crown Resorts and negotiated its privatisation to Blackstone, having previously served as group CEO of real estate giant Lendlease for more than a decade. He will replace former CEO Robbie Cooke who departed in March.

McCann’s appointment comes just days after Star flagged lower full-year earnings as revenue at its premium gaming rooms took a hit. The casino operator is also facing higher remediation costs as it fronts a second inquiry into its suitability to operate casinos in NSW as well as other regulatory challenges in Queensland.

What they said: Star chair Anne Ward said: "The Board is very pleased to have secured a CEO of Steve’s calibre, experience and respect in the market. Given his time with Crown, and previous long-standing leadership at Lendlease, he has the right credentials to lead The Star’s remediation program."