Australian operator Star Entertainment has announced the appointment of two new chief executives—Janelle Campbell has been named CEO of Star Sydney and Daniel Finch was named CEO of the company’s Brisbane operations.
Both are subject to regulatory approval, and both are expected to begin their new roles in late February, reporting to Group CEO Robbie Cooke.
The company has now completed its round of executive appointments, with Jessica Mellor having been named CEO of Star Gold Coast back in mid-October.
Campbell, who is set to take charge of Star Sydney, has held several executive-level roles in the gambling industry, including stints as senior vice president of finance for Macau’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment and executive director of finance for Conrad Jupiters and Treasury Casinos Queensland.
She will be tasked with returning the flagship property to full suitability, in light of a 2022 inquiry which found the casino to be unsuitable for licensure due to a rash of regulatory shortcomings, mainly centered around anti-money laundering and harm minimization failures. It currently operates under a conditional license.
“I’m delighted to welcome Janelle to the team as part of our organisational restructure. Janelle is a highly regarded, very experienced and extremely talented senior casino executive,” Cooke said in a statement.
“Janelle has strong leadership skills, with experience in overseeing large scale operations managing teams of up to 1,200 and a great track record in developing and implementing strategic business plans. During her time at Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Janelle oversaw the finance, supply chain and AML functions among other responsibilities.”
“I am excited to be joining The Star at a pivotal moment in the company’s history and to help shape the future for a venue that has been an iconic Sydney destination for almost 30 years,” Campbell added.
“I am clear on the strategic priorities, including the urgent focus on ensuring our remediation actions drive a return to suitability and the removal of the existing licence suspension.
“We want to be known for delivering world-class experiences and I’m looking forward to The Star Sydney shaping a successful future of sustainable long-term growth.”
Finch, who is slated to take over the Brisbane region, will also have his hands full as he prepares to help launch the multibillion-dollar Queen’s Wharf development, slated to open in April after a brief delay.
Prior to joining Star, Finch primarily worked in the hospitality industry, having spent nearly a decade as managing director of Expedia Australia. According to the company, Finch also worked in the New Zealand, U.K. and Asian markets.
“Daniel brings exceptional leadership capability to The Star, having developed high performance teams while overseeing Expedia brands and businesses in Australia and New Zealand. He has a reputation and an exceptional background for building team culture through periods of significant organisational change.
“His experience in launching new hotels is also a considerable asset as we prepare to open The Star Brisbane and the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct – a transformative development almost 10 years in the making.”
“I am elated to be joining The Star Entertainment Group in what I believe is the most important and exciting time in the history of the business. The opening of The Star Brisbane in 2024 will be significant not just for this business but for Queensland,” Finch added.
“A major priority will be to build trust and reputation with guests, patrons, stakeholders and the local community. This will create the foundation that will set The Star up for sustainable long-term growth and success.”
