In a shocking turn of events, former Crown Resorts chief executive, Ken Barton, has been appointed as the new head of the under-fire Star Entertainment Group, taking on the role of managing director and CEO. This move comes amidst a series of ongoing controversies surrounding The Star’s operations, including allegations of money laundering and improper conduct by staff members.
Barton, who resigned from his position at Crown in February following a damning report that found the company unfit to hold a casino license in Sydney, has been heavily criticized for his role in the scandal. Many believe that his appointment at The Star will only serve to further tarnish the company’s reputation and credibility.
Despite the backlash, The Star’s chairman, John O’Neill, defended the decision, stating that Barton’s experience and expertise in the industry make him the ideal candidate to lead the company through these challenging times. O’Neill also expressed confidence in Barton’s ability to restore trust and integrity within the organization, asserting that he is committed to implementing significant changes to prevent any further wrongdoing.
The Star has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, with regulators and government officials calling for greater oversight and accountability within the company. In response to the mounting pressure, The Star has announced a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency and compliance, including the establishment of a new independent monitoring body to oversee its operations.
Despite these efforts, critics remain skeptical of The Star’s ability to mend its tarnished reputation and regain the trust of regulators and the public. Many believe that Barton’s appointment will only exacerbate the company’s problems, given his controversial track record at Crown and the challenges he faces in rebuilding the company’s image.
As Barton takes the reins at The Star, all eyes will be on him to see whether he can successfully navigate the turmoil and steer the company towards a brighter and more ethical future. Only time will tell if his appointment will prove to be a wise decision or a risky gamble for the embattled casino giant.