John O’Neill was appointed executive chairman following CEO Matt Bekier’s resignation.Credit:Getty Images
“Mr O’Neill informed fellow directors late today of his decision,” the statement said. “Mr O’Neill will transition his chair and executive responsibilities in an orderly manner.”
O’Neill is the latest senior figure to resign from The Star since theexplosive inquiry into its suitability to hold a casino licence began in March,joining chief executive Matt Bekier,chief financial officer Harry Theodore and a handful of other top executives and directors on the casualty list.
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The former Australian Rugby Union and Football Federation Australia boss had been Star’s chairman since 2012 and took on the executive chairman role on April 1 afterBekier resigned two weeks into the inquiry,which was launched in response to reports byThe Age,Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes.
O’Neill was due to give evidence to the inquiry on Monday this week and was scheduled to be its final witness,but the hearings were postponed until this coming Monday without explanation.
The inquiry has examined howStar ignored the criminal links and likely money laundering activities of its major “junket” high-roller tour partners and other customers,and its abuse of Chinese bank cards tofacilitate $900 million of banned gambling transactions,which it then lied to its bank NAB about.
O’Neill will likely be asked about his response to warnings from KPMG consultants in 2018 that Star’s anti-money laundering controls were failing,after the inquiry heard he objected to its tone and language.
Directors Gerard Bradley and Sally Pitkin have also flagged they will leave the board in the coming months with the company promises to accelerate its board renewal. Chief NSW casino officer Greg Hawkins,and chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin have also resigned.
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