Scott Wharton has joined Star Entertainment Group as the new group head of transformation. Wharton brings more than six years of experience from his previous role as group executive for programme delivery at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). He has also held various roles at Citi, including global head of supply chain and managing director. Wharton will report directly to Robbie Cooke, the incoming chief executive and managing director of Star Entertainment Group.
Wharton expressed his excitement about joining The Star and highlighted the important role the company plays in the economies of New South Wales and Queensland. He looks forward to collaborating with the team, as well as regulators and other stakeholders.
His appointment comes at a critical time for Star Sydney, as the casino property is currently undergoing an independent review. The review, launched in June last year, was expanded in January 2022 to assess other entities within the group. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of August.
The ongoing public hearings have uncovered several claims, including allegations that Star allowed junket operator Suncity to operate its own cage at the casino, violating the New South Wales Casino Control Act. There are also assertions that Star provided misleading information about its policies to mitigate risks such as money laundering and corruption.
As part of its renewal programme, Star aims to enhance governance, culture, training, and risk and compliance systems and technology. The company is committed to ensuring its casinos operate without criminal influence, fostering a collaborative relationship with regulators.
Wharton’s appointment as group head of transformation aligns with Star’s efforts to continue building its Transformation Office. The office is leading the renewal programme, focusing on operations in New South Wales and Queensland.
Overall, Wharton’s extensive experience in delivering significant transformations and managing complex businesses make him well-suited for this key position within the organization.
