Sarah Scopel to leave Woolworths in the wake of Star scandal

Woolworths group treasurer Sarah Scopel, who has been implicated in the ongoing investigation of money laundering allegations at Star Entertainment casinos, is stepping down with immediate effect. In an announcement this morning, the supermarket giant stated: “Woolworths Group and Sarah Scopel have mutually agreed that Sarah will step down from her role as Group Treasurer for Woolworths Group with immediate effect.”

Scopel left Star Entertainment for cancer and cardiac care firm GenesisCare in 2020. Woolworths subsequently headhunted her for the group treasurer position, and she joined the supermarket chain last December. Now, she is the latest casualty in the Star scandal, which saw Star CEO Matt Bekier stepping down just two weeks ago.

Behind Scopel's latest departure is a 2019 incident in which she helped two other Star executives - including CFO Harry Theodore - conceal $900 million in 'suspicious transactions' from National Australia Bank by falsely claiming that the money was spent on hotel expenses. She admitted to her role in that misconduct last month, during the inquiry by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to determine whether Star is fit to hold its casino license, and said that at the time, she was afraid her job would be in danger if she did not comply with Theodore's instructions. Woolworths subsequently put her position under review.

Woolworths has not disclosed any next steps to fill the group treasurer role.