The Australian entertainment conglomerate, Star Entertainment Group, has named Robbie Cook as its new head honcho and chief executive. This marks the fourth time the leadership role has been filled since authorities started scrutinizing Star Group’s operations in the spring.
Cook is currently at the helm of Tyro Payments, but he’s best known for his stint as the top executive of the lottery business Tatts Group from 2013 to 2018. He left shortly after Tatts was acquired by Tabcorp.
The interim head of the board, Ben Heap, stated that Cook’s selection was the outcome of a thorough search for the right person to guide the company.
“A comprehensive search was carried out by the global executive search firm Spencer Stuart, uncovering a pool of capable contenders,” he remarked. “After a careful evaluation, the board decided that Robbie is a standout candidate with the perfect background, skills, and qualities to lead Star.
“Robbie is a reliable, esteemed, and experienced CEO.”
This accomplished executive has served as the head honcho at numerous publicly traded companies on the ASX 200, amassing a wealth of business expertise in tightly regulated sectors. He’s adept at running and spearheading change initiatives, managing large teams, and putting together leadership groups across various regions.
Shipp further emphasized that Cook has achieved notable milestones throughout his career.
“As the CEO of Tatts Group’s lottery, betting, and gaming enterprises, he spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul and secured crucial licensing agreements with state authorities,” he remarked. “During his tenure at Wotif.com, Robbie played a key role in building a market-leading company during a period of substantial industry shifts in the hotel sector. More recently, at Australian banking and payments fintech Tyro Payments, he guided the company through the post-Royal Commission landscape in financial services, prioritizing risk culture, cultural alignment, and employee engagement, while driving transaction volumes from approximately $13 billion to over $30 billion in a span of four years.”
This appointment comes at a time when Star Entertainment Group is under intense scrutiny regarding its operations, particularly its anti-money laundering procedures and its connections to organized crime syndicates. A review of its operations by New South Wales is nearing completion, with legal professionals assisting the investigation suggesting that there is no evidence to support the operator’s suitability to retain its license.
Across the nation, Queensland is on the verge of launching its own examination, concentrating on the frameworks that enable operators to receive UnionPay transactions, which are generally not allowed for wagering. Shipp stated that Cook would “reestablish trust” in these gatherings.
Cook expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the gaming sector. “I am thrilled to have the chance to return to the gaming and hospitality industry, which is my passion and where I have dedicated most of my professional life,” he remarked. “Star Entertainment is facing some well-documented difficulties. They will be my top priority and focus.
“Making sure the business’s long-term viability through a comprehensive revitalization program is crucial. It is also a very adaptable enterprise with thousands of employees who contribute dedication, enthusiasm, and motivation to deliver exceptional customer service.”
“Robbie is the perfect candidate to lead Star Entertainment and rebuild confidence in the organization,” Shipp stated. “He is the ideal person to guide the company through its ongoing critical renewal program, which has already commenced and will implement a variety of short- and medium-term initiatives centered on governance, culture, training, systems, and technology.”
Cook will be the operator’s fourth chief executive this year after Matt Bekier stepped down from the position following a review in New South Wales. Initially, chairman John O’Neill assumed the role of executive chairman.
In spite of this, O’Neil opted to step down from his roles at both firms prior to presenting evidence to the review panel. Consequently, Jeff Hogg was named as the acting CEO, while Shipp assumed the temporary chair position.
The Star will shortly reveal the date of Cook’s selection.
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