Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Scott Wharton as the new Chief Executive of its Star Sydney casino and Group Head of Transformation. With a wealth of experience in executive management and transformational leadership, Wharton joins Star Entertainment Group from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where he held senior executive positions.
His appointment comes as the Star Sydney casino undergoes an independent review regarding its interactions with junkets and money laundering prevention measures. Wharton’s extensive expertise and leadership capabilities position him well to drive the organization’s renewal program and strengthen regulatory compliance.
Scott Wharton’s Background and Role:
Scott Wharton brings over six years of experience with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to his new role at Star Entertainment Group. At CBA, Wharton served as the Group Executive for Programme Delivery, responsible for implementing comprehensive corporate culture reforms. He also held the position of Executive General Manager during his tenure. Before joining CBA, Wharton spent over six years at Citi in various leadership roles, including Global Head of Supply Chain and Managing Director. Additionally, he currently serves as the Co-Chairman of Supply Nation. In his new role, Wharton will report directly to Robbie Cooke, the incoming Chief Executive and Managing Director of Star Entertainment Group.
Wharton’s Appointment and Industry Recognition:
Star Entertainment Group’s decision to appoint Scott Wharton is driven by his exemplary credentials and expertise in leading organizational transformations. His leadership capabilities, demonstrated experience in managing complex businesses, and collaboration with regulators make him an ideal candidate for the role. Wharton’s contributions at CBA were recognized as one of the most comprehensive reforms of corporate culture in Australia. His commercial skills and track record in driving significant transformations align well with Star Entertainment Group’s objectives to enhance governance, culture, and risk and compliance systems.
Ongoing Independent Review and Wharton’s Role:
Wharton assumes his position as Chief Executive of Star Sydney casino during an ongoing independent review concerning the property’s operations. Initiated in June last year, the review was expanded in January 2022 to assess other entities within the group. The probe aims to address concerns regarding interactions with junkets and the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures. The review’s completion, initially scheduled for June, has been extended to the end of August to accommodate additional witness testimonies. Wharton’s appointment signifies Star Entertainment Group’s commitment to addressing the findings of the review and implementing necessary improvements.
Renewal Program and Focus on Transformation:
As part of its renewal program, Star Entertainment Group has established a Transformation Office responsible for driving the company’s renewal initiatives. Wharton’s appointment as Group Head of Transformation aligns with the organization’s focus on operational improvements in New South Wales and Queensland. The renewal program encompasses initiatives targeting governance, culture, training, risk and compliance systems, and technology. It consolidates and expands existing programs while introducing new measures to enhance operations and regulatory compliance.
Commitment to Regulatory Compliance and Collaboration:
Star Entertainment Group’s renewal program aims to redesign the company’s operations and enhance systems and controls to ensure its casinos operate free from criminal influence. By strengthening risk and compliance functions and establishing a cooperative environment with regulators, the organization demonstrates its commitment to responsible and transparent business practices. The initial progress made in the renewal program is encouraging, though ongoing efforts are still required to achieve the desired outcomes.
Scott Wharton’s appointment as Chief Executive of Star Sydney casino and Group Head of Transformation at Star Entertainment Group underscores the company’s commitment to effective leadership and organizational renewal. Wharton’s extensive experience and demonstrated expertise in driving transformations position him well to lead the ongoing renewal program and address the findings of the independent review. With a focus on governance, culture, and risk and compliance, Star Entertainment Group aims to enhance its operations and ensure regulatory compliance across its casinos. By implementing these initiatives, the organization aspires to foster a safe and responsible gambling environment while collaborating closely with regulators to maintain the integrity of its operations.