Racing Victoria (RV) has today announced a new Executive Leadership Team that best equips the organisation to lead a strong and vibrant Victorian racing industry.
The appointment of three new executives fills vacancies created throughout 2024 and brings valuable knowledge, capability, stakeholder engagement, racing and sporting experience to the organisation.
It marks the first stage of a review of the structure, resources and operations of the RV Group with work continuing on a review of RV’s media businesses.
RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, is pleased to announce the following appointments to a revamped Executive Leadership Team:
- Chief Operating Officer – Vaughn Lynch
- Executive General Manager, Strategy & Corporate Services – Peter Betson
- Executive General Manager, People & Performance – Janelle Helleur
Lynch has over 20 years’ experience working as a senior administrator across all three codes of racing and is the current Chief Executive of Racing SA.
He was formerly Chief Executive of Tasracing and has held senior positions with Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria.
The revamped role of Chief Operating Officer will oversee key functions including wagering and racing, whilst working closely with the Chief Executive. Lynch will commence in early 2025.
Betson brings extensive Government and commercial experience, along with a unique insight into the business of racing, having led the state’s Office of Racing, Sport and Recreation Victoria and more recently Tourism and Major Events. He was most recently Victoria’s Deputy Secretary of Sport and Experience Economy.
A stablehand in his younger days, Betson has delivered large state projects and investments, including the redevelopments of Melbourne Park Stage 3, the State Basketball Centre and Marvel Stadium whilst overseeing, on behalf of the responsible Minister, the performance and financial management of organisations such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
Betson’s revamped portfolio will include Strategy & Projects, Technology, Finance and Corporate Affairs. He will commence in late November 2024.
Helleur, who boasts senior people and culture experience across both sport and entertainment, has been promoted from the position of General Manager – People & Culture to the elevated role of Executive General Manager, People & Performance.
A member of the RV team since 2018, Helleur’s elevation introduces a dedicated people and performance portfolio into the Executive Leadership Team. It reflects the importance of ensuring alignment of organisational values, talent and culture with strategic goals, whilst overseeing a broad workforce that includes raceday officials.
In addition to these appointments, RV is also pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Bloodworth to the elevated position of Head of Racing where he’ll oversee all racing operations functions, handicapping and play a lead role in participant and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout more than 30 years in racing administration, Bloodworth has held key positions in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria, and is a former member of the ANZ Classifications Committee, National Race Planning Committee and Pattern Committee.
RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison said: “Today’s announcement marks the first step in an evolution of RV to adapt to a changing landscape and best service Victorian racing.
“As part of our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and aligning RV for future success, we are implementing a new executive structure.
“These changes enhance our industry experience and leadership capabilities, will streamline decision-making, foster greater collaboration across departments, and ensure we remain agile in achieving our objectives.
“We’re delighted to welcome people with a great understanding and appreciation of racing’s unique ecosystem in Vaughn Lynch and Peter Betson, whilst recognising Janelle Helleur and Paul Bloodworth from within.
“These appointments help us position Victorian racing for long-term success, bringing valuable skills and experience to the organisation, whilst facilitating improved engagement and collaboration with our stakeholders and participants.
“Today’s announcement marks the first milestone in the review of the structure, resources and operations of the broader RV Group businesses. This work continues with a review of our media businesses underway to ensure alignment with RV and industry objectives and that we’re leveraging our assets to maximum benefit.”
Lynch, Betson and Helleur will join Morrison, Jamie Stier (Executive General Manager, Integrity Services), Michelle Fielding (Executive General Manager, Legal, Risk & Compliance) and Jamie McGuinness (Executive General Manager, Infrastructure & Clubs) on the RV Executive Leadership Team.