The Star Entertainment Group on Monday announced the appointment of casino sector veteran John Koster as its new chief executive officer (CEO) of the company’s Sydney venue.
Koster brings over 40 years of experience in the casino and hospitality industry, with more than 28 years spent in senior leadership roles across the US and the Asia-Pacific region. Previous positions include vice president and general manager of Bally’s Lake Tahoe.
Koster has also held key roles at internationally-recognised resorts and hotel groups, including Caesars Entertainment, Eldorado Resorts and Harrah’s.
This leadership change is part of the company’s broader strategy to accelerate remediation and implement cost-reduction programmes following recent challenges at the property. Koster’s move will be subject to regulatory requirements.
In a statement announcing the move, The Star Entertainment Group highlighted Koster as “an accomplished casino and hotel executive” with extensive expertise that will be instrumental in restoring operational stability at its Sydney property. He succeeds former CEO Janelle Campbell.
Strategic shifts alongside new CEO
Koster’s appointment follows significant changes in the company’s ownership and governance.
Bally’s Corporation and the Mathieson family’s Investment Holdings Pty Ltd currently hold a combined 61% controlling stake in The Star Entertainment Group. After a challenging period, the group recently installed Bally’s chairman Soo Kim as its own chairman and Bruce Mathieson Jr was appointed group CEO and managing director.
The new ownership team has advocated for decentralising support functions to individual properties and reducing headcount among senior management as part of cost-control initiatives. Additionally, they have initiated refinancing and asset review processes to strengthen liquidity, responding to sustained financial losses at the Sydney casino.
Despite these efforts, regulatory scrutiny remains intense. In March the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission extended The Star Sydney’s licence suspension until 31 March 2026, maintaining stringent oversight of operations.