New CFO for Star Entertainment
Star Entertainment Group has named Charlie Diao, a senior finance executive from Bally's Corp, as its incoming Group chief financial officer (CFO), deepening the American casino giant's influence over the embattled Australian operator following its recent rescue acquisition.
Diao currently holds the position of Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Treasurer at Bally's Corp, bringing with him a strong foundation in corporate finance, treasury and financial governance, as outlined in a filing lodged with the ASX on Friday.
The appointment marks the latest in a growing wave of Bally's-aligned executives taking the helm at Star. In recent weeks, the company has welcomed former Vice President and General Manager of Bally's Lake Tahoe, John Koster, as CEO of The Star Sydney, while Bally's Chairman Soo Kim and President George Papanier now lead Star's Board of Directors.
The leadership overhaul follows Bally's Corp and the Mathieson family acquiring a combined controlling stake of 61% in Star late last year, a move that pulled the operator back from the brink of insolvency.
According to Friday's ASX filing, Diao will report directly to Group CEO and Managing Director Bruce Mathieson Jnr, and "will play a critical role in supporting the company's financial stability, capital strategy and ongoing transformation activities."
His commencement remains conditional on the granting of an Australian work visa and the successful completion of regulatory and ministerial approvals.
Mathieson Jnr expressed confidence in the incoming CFO: "Charlie brings deep financial expertise and global experience at a pivotal time for The Star. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to stabilise the business, strengthen our governance settings and position the company for long-term performance."
Jonathan Jackson, 24th March 2026
