The Star Entertainment Group’s executive chairman John O’Neill has resigned ahead of a public grilling at an inquiry into the company’s Sydney casino licence.

The crisis-stricken outfit announced on the ASX late on Friday afternoon that O’Neill had tendered his resignation and would “step down from the board with a departure date to be agreed”.

“Mr O’Neill informed fellow directors late today of his decision,” the statement said. “Mr O’Neill will transition his chair and executive responsibilities in an orderly manner.”

O’Neill is the latest senior figure to resign from The Star since the explosive inquiry into its suitability to hold a casino licence began in March, joining chief executive Matt Bekier, chief financial officer Harry Theodore and a handful of other top executives and directors on the casualty list.