The appointments of both Page and Thornton are a continuation of an advised board renewal programme after the operator fell afoul of regulations.  

Both Page and Thornton follow previous board appointments, including Anne Ward and David Foster, who were installed as non-executive directors on 15 August 2022. 

The Star Entertainment Chairman Ben Heap said: “On behalf of the board, I welcome Deborah and Toni during this time of significant organisational and cultural change. They bring a fresh set of skills and diversity of experience to our board. Deborah and Toni will each play an important role as we continue to remediate and transform The Star.” 

Page is expected to join The Star’s board after 1 February 2023 and will be a board observer from the date she joins until the operator receives all necessary regulatory approvals. 

But Thornton will join the board as soon as necessary regulatory approvals are received and will be a board observer until that time. 

The Star says Page is an experienced company director and chair, with broad industry experience spanning various ASX-listed, private, public sector and regulated entities.  

This includes the property, utilities, insurance, technology, renewables and funds management sectors. 

Regarding Thornton, the operator calls her an experienced executive with more than 15 years of corporate finance and strategic advisory experience, and 13 years of experience in auditing at board level. 

Thornton is currently a non-executive director of G8 Education, CS Energy, Millovate Pty and Habitat Early Learning.