She commenced her duties on 5 September, and will divide her time between the group’s two Queensland properties.

She will play a key role in the transition from the Treasury Brisbane surveillance team to a new model in preparation for operations commencing at the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, which has a planned staged opening for the second half of 2023. And she will also commence immediate oversight of the existing surveillance operating model at The Star Gold Coast.

“We are thrilled to have been successful in attracting Zhan to this new and critical role for the business,” said The Star Gold Coast COO Jess Mellor.

“She has extensive expertise in surveillance technology implementation, multi-site management, restructuring and streamlining processes, which we will be relying on as we further cement our position as the Gold Coast’s premium tourism and entertainment destination. 

“Her appointment underpins The Star’s growth and investment in Queensland as well as bolstering our female leadership ranks. The Star has a target of 45% female and 45% male representation in leadership roles while the remaining 10% recognises the need to create space for non-binary gender identities.”

Spalding has over 30 years’ experience leading surveillance and security operations for both national and international gaming venues, and said the promotion of gender equality was an attractor to the role.

Spalding commented: “Throughout my career there have been many times I was the only woman in a surveillance or security international network events team, so I am passionate about encouraging other women to pursue a career in this industry.

“I also want to shine a spotlight on the breadth of the role, which is complex and challenging, requiring knowledge of technology, compliance, policy, procedure, data analytics, crisis management and more.

“I am thrilled to join The Star at this exciting stage of their expansion, and hope to help progress its cultural and diversity focus and achievements.”