Matt Bekier steps down as Star Entertainment CEO amid ILGA inquiry

Matt Bekier has tendered his resignation as managing director and chief executive officer of the Star Entertainment Group amid the ILGA’s public hearings into the casino operator.

Australia.- Matt Bekier has stepped down as managing director and CEO of The Star Entertainment Group Limited. The company said Bekier’s decision followed issues raised at the public hearing being held by the New South Wales regulator, the ILGA, into The Star Sydney.

Last week the inquiry, which is being led by Adam Bell SC, heard that Bekier had criticised a KPMG audit that found Star’s risk inspections on possible money laundering and terrorist financing were insufficient.

Bekier has told the board that he was accountable for the effectiveness and adequacy of the company’s processes, policies, people and culture and added the right thing to do was for him to take responsibility. His departure date is yet to be determined. Star said it will make a further announcement once arrangements have been finalised. 

Also last week, Graeme Stevens, group compliance manager at Star Entertainment Group, admitted at the ILGA inquiry that he misled the New South Wales regulator, about how junkets operated in The Star Sydney Casino’s private VIP customer betting room.

See also: Star deputy treasurer misled National Australia Bank, inquiry hears