The Star Entertainment Group Limited has recently named Daniel Finch, a former executive from Expedia Australia, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its Brisbane operations. The announcement comes ahead of the eagerly anticipated opening of the AU$3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project, slated for April 2024. Pending regulatory approvals, Finch is set to assume his role in mid-February.
Organizational Restructure:
This appointment is part of The Star’s strategic organizational restructure, aiming to have a dedicated CEO for each of its venues in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Robbie Cooke, Group CEO and Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Finch to the team, highlighting the significance of having accomplished leaders at the helm of each venue.
Finch’s Background and Expertise:
Daniel Finch brings to The Star Entertainment Group a wealth of experience, having served as Managing Director at Expedia Australia for nine years. With over two decades in the travel and hospitality industry, his career includes key executive positions with major hotel groups, overseeing operations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Asian markets. Notably, Finch is recognized for his exceptional leadership and success in building high-performance teams, especially during periods of significant organizational change.
Strategic Timing for The Star:
According to Cooke, Finch’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the company’s history, coinciding with the upcoming opening of The Star Brisbane in 2024. The CEO emphasized the transformative nature of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, a project nearly a decade in the making, and the pivotal role it is expected to play in driving both domestic and international tourism to Queensland.
The Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Project:
Originally scheduled for late 2023, The Star Entertainment Group had announced a slight delay, pushing the opening to April 2024. Despite the four-month extension, the company remains optimistic about the impact and significance of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane in the region. The project is poised to deliver world-class venues and experiences, aiming to attract millions of visitors annually.
Finch’s Vision and Ambitions:
In his statement, Daniel Finch expressed his elation at joining The Star Entertainment Group at such a crucial juncture. He underscored the importance of The Star Brisbane’s opening in 2024, not only for the business but also for Queensland as a whole. Finch emphasized his ambition to foster a high-performance culture within the organization, ensuring top-notch services and experiences for the millions expected to visit the venue each year.
The appointment of Daniel Finch as CEO for The Star Entertainment Group’s Brisbane operations signals a strategic move in aligning leadership with specific venues. As the company gears up for the grand opening of The Star Brisbane and the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, Finch’s extensive experience and leadership capabilities position him to play a crucial role in driving the success of this transformative project. The Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, now scheduled for April 2024, stands as a cornerstone in The Star’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and entertainment experiences, not only for locals but also for visitors from around the globe.