STAR Entertainment said on Monday Chairman David Foster has stepped down just over a year into the role, adding to an exodus of senior management at the beleaguered Australian casino operator.

The management departures come at a time when the casino operator faces a second inquiry into its Sydney casino operations investigating Star’s ability to be fit to run the Star Sydney casino or hold a casino licence.

Foster, who became chairman in March 2023, took over additional executive duties late last month after the casino operator’s chief executive Robbie Cooke and finance officer Christina Katsibouba, announced their exits.

Earlier this month, Jessica Mellor, chief executive of Star Gold Coast casino in Queensland - the casino’s youngest and first female chief - announced her departure without providing any reason.

Anne Ward, an independent and non-executive director appointed to the Star board in November 2022, will take over as chair effective immediately.

Star is yet to find a permanent replacement for its chief executive position.

GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY

Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign UpVIEW ALL

The casino operator is facing a second inquiry into its Sydney operations after a license to operate the casino was suspended in October 2022, with the regulator “not satisfied” with the company’s progress on its remedial measures in Sydney.

Shares of the company were trading 3.2 per cent higher at A$0.4025, as of 0102 GMT. Star’s shares have lost 22.3 per cent so far this year. REUTERS