Jessica Mellor is The Star Gold Coast’s youngest and first female Chief Operating Officer (COO), appointed to the position in June 2019.

In her role, Jessica oversees the operations of this iconic and transformational property including its five-star hotel, The Star Grand; luxury suite hotel, The Darling; more than 20 restaurants and bars; Azure Spa & Fitness; its state-of-the-art theatre; and the Event Centre.

It is the second time Jessica has called the Gold Coast home after first moving to the region to study at Bond University in 2007 and remaining on the coast for nine years.

Jessica began her career as an Assistant Design Manager for a multi-national construction company and has since worked across multiple sectors including infrastructure and property development, funds management, and corporate advisory.

In 2013, she moved into the hospitality and entertainment industry after taking on the role of Executive Director, Strategy, and Project Development with the Aquis group. In this role, she was involved in a range of activities including key asset acquisitions, government affairs, and modernisation of gaming legislation in the ACT.

From there, Jessica quickly progressed to become a Board Director of ASX-listed Aquis Entertainment in 2015, before being appointed to the company’s first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2016.

As CEO, Jessica took on the challenging task of returning the Casino Canberra business to EBITDA profit following many years of sustained losses. Jessica led a fundamental restructure and realignment of the business, with her changes positively impacting the organisational culture and playing a key role in its turnaround.

During her time in Canberra, Jessica actively supported many not-for-profit/community organisations and initiatives and was appointed to Director of Lifeline Canberra in 2016.

Jessica gained a Bachelor of Sustainable Development (Construction Management) at Bond University, before going on to study Law at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and is now close to completing her Executive MBA with QUT Business School.

We look forward welcoming her and a panel of city shapers at the 2019 YP Gold Coast City Leaders Forum, presented by Griffith University, at The Star Gold Coast this September.