The Star Entertainment Group Limited (ASX code: SGR) (The Star) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Anne Ward and Mr David Foster as Non-Executive Directors of The Star, subject to casino regulatory approvals being obtained.
Both Ms Ward and Mr Foster are experienced executives and directors with backgrounds spanning more than 30 years in their respective fields. These appointments are in line with the program of Board renewal referenced in the announcements on 1 April 2022 and 13 May 2022.
Anne Ward
Ms Ward is an experienced company director with expertise in business management, strategy, governance, risk and finance and broad industry experience spanning financial services, banking, insurance, technology, healthcare, government, education, tourism and entertainment.
Ms Ward is currently Chair of ASX-listed ecommerce group Redbubble Ltd and communication software provider Symbio Holdings Ltd.
Ms Ward recently retired from the board of Crown Resorts Limited following completion of the takeover by Blackstone in June 2022. She recently stood down after several years on the Council of RMIT University where she contributed to an uplift in governance for the university sector in Australia.
Ms Ward was formerly Chairman of Colonial First State Investments Ltd, Chairman of Qantas Superannuation Ltd, Chairman of Zoos Victoria and a director of MYOB Group Ltd and Flexigroup Ltd.
Prior to her career as a professional director, Ms Ward was a commercial lawyer for 28 years and was General Counsel for Australia at the National Australia Bank and a partner at Minter Ellison in Melbourne.
Ms Ward, with considerable experience in complex governance and risk management across highly regulated sectors, holds Arts and Law degrees from Melbourne University.
David Foster
Mr Foster forged a career of more than 25 years in the financial services sector, including over five years as Chief Executive Officer of Suncorp Bank where he had responsibility for navigating the Bank through the global financial crisis and delivering a significant turnaround and restructuring of the Bank. He stood down as CEO at the end of 2013.
An experienced Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Mr Foster has served on boards across a diverse range of industries including financial services, retail, government, education and professional services.
He currently holds several ASX-listed company directorships, including Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd, an ASX 100 financial services company, and as Chairman of G8 Education Ltd, the largest ASX-listed childcare and early education operator. Mr Foster is also a Council member of the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Foster is the former Chairman of the Regional Investment Corporation – a Federal Government commercial entity responsible for national agricultural assistance loans and regional water infrastructure funding – and was previously a Board member of Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia.
Mr Foster holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Southern Queensland and an MBA from Southern Cross University. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
The Star’s interim Chairman Ben Heap said: “Anne and David bring a relevant set of skills to our Board at this important juncture. They have extensive experience in highly regulated industries, impressive backgrounds in risk and compliance, and invaluable leadership insights forged during their respective careers in law and banking.
“Along with fellow Non-Executive Directors, Michael Issenberg, Richard Sheppard, Katie Lahey AM and Gerard Bradley AO, I welcome Anne and David as we continue to refresh The Star’s Board.”
Ms Ward said: “The Star is one of Australia’s leading integrated resort companies and I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the future success of the company. I look forward to joining the Board and helping shape the program of work to transform The Star and drive value for shareholders.”
Mr Foster said: “I am very pleased to be joining the Board of The Star and look forward to contributing to organisational change that will deliver benefits for all stakeholders.”
Ms Ward and Mr Foster will each join the Board immediately upon the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and until that time will be Board observers.
