Australia’s Star Entertainment Group appoints Soo Kim as new chairman

Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has announced a series of significant management changes, just a day after CEO and Group Managing Director Steve McCann stepped down.

Bruce Mathieson Jr. has stepped aside as Chairman of the Board, with Soo Kim, chair of Bally’s Corp, appointed as his replacement. Mathieson Jr., who had served as Chairman for only a few weeks following Star’s 2025 AGM, is set to become CEO, pending final documentation, while remaining an Executive Director.

The company also confirmed the resignations of non-executive directors Peter Hodgson and Toni Thornton on Wednesday. The board now consists of Soo Kim, Bruce Mathieson Jr., and George Papanier.

“We are fortunate to have Bruce lead our company as CEO,” said Kim. “George and I understand what an honor and responsibility it is to join and contribute to the Board. We are confident our best days are ahead.”

The departures of Hodgson and Thornton mark the end of the previous board linked to Star’s former hierarchy. The changes come after Bally’s Corp and the Mathieson family’s Investment Holdings Pty Ltd invested AU$300 million (US$198.6 million) to secure a controlling 61% stake in the embattled casino operator.