Mark Mackay resigns suddenly as CEO of The Star Gold Coast, just 95 days into the job

The new CEO of The Star Gold Coast has quit less than 100 days into the job. Read more

The new CEO of The Star Gold Coast has quit less than 100 days into the job.

Mark Mackay was only appointed on September 9 this year, but the company confirmed he had resigned “effective immediately”.

In a statement to the ASX lodged 45 minutes after the market closed on Friday, The Star Entertainment Group Limited said it had “commenced a process for recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer for The Star Gold Coast”.

“We thank Mark Mackay for his assistance and wish him well for the future,” Group CEO and managing director Steve McCann said.

Mr Mackay is the second CEO to leave the Gold Coast casino in eight months, following the departure of Jess Mellor in April.

The Star Entertainment Group has appointed Mark Mackay as Chief Executive Officer of The Star Gold Coast

Speaking when he was appointed, Mr Mackay said he understood there were challenges facing the business.

“But I am optimistic for the opportunities ahead,” he said.

“I am committed as the highest priority to working hard with our regulators and Government to deliver on all necessary reforms and rebuilding trust with our communities.”

Mr Mackay had spent the previous seven years working as chief operating officer for Crown Resorts Melbourne.

Star Gold Coast and the wider company is under pressure financially after two $100 million fines in Queensland and NSW following separate and damning inquiries into the casino operations.

The new LNP Queensland government last week pushed back the date to make a decision on suspending The Star Gold Coast’s licence.

The decision was due to be made this month but has now been deferred until March 31, 2025.

Shares in The Star were trading at 19.5c at 4.20pm AEST Friday.