Australian racing and wagering giant Tabcorp Holdings Ltd has announced the appointment of former AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Confirming one of the nation’s worst kept secrets, Tabcorp said by way of a Monday filing that McLachlan will join on 5 August 2024 and will assume his new role upon receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. He will act in an observer capacity in the meantime, with Bruce Akhurst continuing to act as Executive Chairman.
McLachlan is a well-known figure in Australia, having led the Australian Football League (AFL) through a period of record growth before stepping down in 2023, including expansion of the competition to 18 teams and securing the largest sports broadcasting rights deal in Australian history.
“Gill needs no introduction – he is recognized as one of Australia’s leading CEOs and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future,” said Akhurst. “We’ve laid strong foundations and Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of us.
“Gill has a deep understanding of sport, racing and wagering, combined with significant commercial acumen which was highlighted in the substantial growth of AFL revenues under his leadership.
“Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history and we’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”
McLachlan said he was focused on accelerating the growth of Tabcorp.
“Tabcorp is a wagering, broadcast and integrity services business and the challenges of growing it are appealing. It’s about creating entertainment for our customers in a safe way and providing a unique customer omni-channel entertainment offering across digital, retail and the media business,’’ he said.
“Tabcorp is a proudly Australian company that contributed AU$1.1 billion to the racing industry last year and continues to be one of the racing industry’s biggest partners, as well as the wagering licensee in all states, except for WA. This is a really important component of my decision. There are enormous opportunities ahead and I’m looking forward to driving the sport category among other things.
“Tabcorp is part way through its transformation journey and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team to accelerate and deliver on the growth opportunities.”
McLachlan’s appointment follows the sudden departure in March of predecessor Adam Rytenskild due to what the company described as “inappropriate and offensive language” used by him in the workplace.
