The operator’s board has accepted his resignation, which includes all Hogg’s other positions at The Star. A final departure date is yet to be determined, while he will work with the board to transition his executive responsibilities in an orderly manner.
Ben Heap has been appointed to the role of Executive Chairman on an interim basis, effective immediately and until the commencement of Robbie Cooke as the incoming Managing Director and CEO.
Cooke, currently serving as Managing Director of Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) machine provider Tyro Payments, was named as the new CEO of The Star in June, but a start date has yet to be finalised.
The Star noted that Heap has declined to be paid any additional remuneration while he is acting in the Executive Chairman role, with the company to make a further announcement once the timing of his commencement has been finalised.
Earlier this month, Heap admitted that the operator had fallen short of expectations after an inquiry found it was unsuitable to hold a licence in New South Wales.
The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) issued the operator with a show cause notice, with a report by Adam Bell SC finding The Star unsuitable to hold a licence. The NSW gaming regulator found that the group had repeatedly breached the law, misled banks, and was infiltrated by criminal elements for many years.
On Monday morning, shares of the company were down 3.5%.
