Gillon McLachlan, former head of the Australian Football League (AFL), has been formally appointed Managing Director and CEO of racing and wagering giant Tabcorp after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals.
His official appointment also means Bruce Akhurst will retire from the Tabcorp Board and cease as Executive Director, effective today, Friday 31 January, the company said via an ASX filing.
McLachlan is a well-known figure in Australia, having led the 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.
Speaking at the time of McLachlan’s original appointment to Tabcorp in June, Akhurst said, “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. 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’s appointment follows the sudden departure in March last year of predecessor Adam Rytenskild due to what the company described as “inappropriate and offensive language” used by him in the workplace. Rytenskild has denied those claims and since commenced an unfair dismissal complaint against the company.
