Dave Whimpey Appointed COO and Interim CEO of The Star Brisbane

Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Dave Whimpey as the chief operating officer (COO) and Interim CEO of The Star Brisbane.

The appointment, which remains subject to regulatory approval, comes as the group navigates a critical transitional period following a major ownership restructure and ongoing governance scrutiny.

Whimpey, a highly regarded figure in the Queensland corporate landscape, brings over 25 years of multi-sector experience across gaming, hospitality, and tourism. His professional journey comes full circle with this move; he began his career at Jupiter’s Casino (now The Star Gold Coast) before holding senior roles at KPMG, Tabcorp, and Coles Group.

A Transformational Leader for a “New Era”

Whimpey’s recent tenure as CEO of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), which concluded on February 27, 2026, was marked by significant financial and organisational growth. Prior to his work with SLSQ, he served as the CEO of the Brisbane Racing Club, further solidifying his deep ties to the local community and regulatory environment.

Upon his appointment, Whimpey expressed his commitment to restoring the venue’s reputation.

“I’m excited to be joining The Star at such a pivotal time as the business embarks on a new era focused on rebuilding, revitalization and restoring confidence,” he stated.

The Queen’s Wharf Transition

Whimpey’s leadership arrives amid a complex backdrop for the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development.

Following financial pressures in 2025, Star Entertainment Group reached an agreement to sell its 50% stake in the development to its joint venture partners, Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium, for approximately $53 million.

Under the current transition agreement, Star Entertainment remains the operator of the casino through March 2026, receiving a management fee of $5 million per month. Whimpey’s dual role as COO and Interim CEO is seen as a strategic move to provide steady hands during this handover period while the Destination Brisbane Consortium identifies a long-term permanent operator.

The Star Brisbane: Leadership and Site Evolution

• August 2024: The Star Brisbane officially opens at Queen’s Wharf.
• December 2025: Rescue package secured from Bally’s Corp; Bruce Mathieson Jr named Group CEO.
• March 4, 2026: John Koster appointed CEO of The Star Sydney.
• March 9, 2026: Dave Whimpey appointed COO/Interim CEO of The Star Brisbane.
• End of 2026: Projected opening of the Dorsett and Rosewood hotels at Queen’s Wharf.

As part of the wider Group restructuring, Whimpey joins a “refreshed” executive team that includes John Koster (Sydney) and Dr. Jennifer Cronin (Interim CEO, Gold Coast), all tasked with meeting heightened regulatory expectations following substantial AML-related fines and governance findings in 2025.

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