The Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Dave Whimpey as Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer of The Star Brisbane, pending regulatory approval.
The Brisbane venue’s leadership change is part of a broader restructuring across the group’s integrated resorts, following recent executive shifts at its Sydney operations.
However, the group’s recent history underscores significant governance challenges. Australia’s Federal Court, in civil penalty proceedings initiated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), recently found two former senior executives of The Star Entertainment Group in breach of the Corporations Act 2001. The ruling, delivered by Justice Lee on Wednesday, concerned failures in managing and reporting money-laundering and criminal-activity risks.
The judgement marks a significant setback after The Star also faced a $400 million fine pushed by AUSTRAC in June 2025 over numerous AML violations accumulated over several years.
Brisbane leadership to steer amidst regulatory pressure
Against this backdrop, Whimpey’s appointment as interim CEO of The Star Brisbane represents a strategic move to bolster governance and operational oversight across the group’s growing integrated resort portfolio.
Whimpey’s 25-year career across gaming and hospitality sectors, including leadership roles at Jupiter’s Casino (now The Star Gold Coast), Tabcorp, and Brisbane Racing Club, positions him to lead as The Star Brisbane moves beyond its August 2024 opening.
Whimpey said of the move: “I’m excited to be joining The Star at such a pivotal time as the business embarks on a new era focused on rebuilding, revitalisation and restoring confidence.”
Moving parts
This appointment is part of broader executive restructuring, coinciding with The Star’s efforts to meet both commercial objectives and heightened regulatory expectations.
The Star Brisbane serves as the casino anchor within the multi-billion-dollar Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development, a 12-hectare riverside precinct designed to attract premium international visitors and high rollers. The ownership of this development has come under its own controversies, with Star Entertainment Group negotiating since August last year to revoke its 50% stake.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/people/people-moves/the-star-brisbane-appoints-new-interim-ceo-governance-challenges/
