Racing Victoria (RV) has today announced changes to the corporate governance structure and leadership of its 100 per cent owned integrated media business Racing.com Media (RDCM), along with its majority-owned radio business RSN Racing & Sport (RSN).
The changes are the continuation of a review of the structure, resources and operations of the RV Group initiated by Chief Executive Aaron Morrison upon his August appointment.
By better leveraging its great people, talent, valuable media brands, assets and audiences, these changes aim to simplify governance and decision-making, maximise return on investment, enhance alignment across the RV Group and expand opportunities to promote the Victorian racing industry to a wider mainstream audience.
RDCM
With effect from 1 January 2025, RDCM will come under RV operational management with the RDCM Board duties being absorbed through RV current governance structures and the currently separate role of RDCM Chief Executive no longer required.
RV will commence recruitment immediately for a new Executive General Manager who will have responsibility for the majority of RDCM functions, along with existing RV portfolios covering marketing, customer insights, communications, industry promotion and content.
Upon their appointment, the new EGM will be charged with ensuring the right structures and resources are in place across the group to maximise the coverage and promotion of Victorian racing in an efficient and effective manner.
RDCM Chief Executive Peter Campbell has agreed to stay on until 30 June 2025 whilst the recruitment for the new EGM takes place and to assist with the transition, and during this time will report directly to RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison.
The change will see some RDCM employees re-locate to RV’s Flemington headquarters from their Docklands office throughout 2025, bringing greater opportunities to align the RDCM team with RV and gain operational efficiency. The RDCM studio will remain in Docklands.
RSN
The changes to the media businesses will also include planned and agreed changes to RSN, which is, and will continue to remain, co-owned by the three codes of racing and located within the RV premises.
RSN operations will also be integrated under the revised media business structure, with services provided back to RSN under a new management agreement.
Other planned changes to the RSN Executive structure will also take effect from 1 January 2025 which includes Bernard Saundry stepping down from the full-time role of RSN Chief Executive as at the end of December 2024, as he takes up a new role as Chairman of Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).
Future Plans
Moving forward, the core delivery of the RV Group’s market-leading raceday audio and visual coverage, and its execution and management of current commercial partnerships and priorities, will continue as normal.
It is anticipated though that further positive structural enhancements will occur in the new year, aligned with the finalisation of RV’s new management structure, and following a comprehensive review of all operations and assets to ensure the RV Group is best positioned for future success.
Quotes attributable to RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison
“Our media businesses continue to do a tremendous job showcasing Victorian racing to national audiences each and every day. These changes are designed to build on that success and leverage the resources and capabilities for the broader benefit of the Victorian racing industry.
“Our stakeholders recognise the great benefits that our media businesses have delivered, and rightfully expect that we’re efficient in our operations and maximising our investment.
“We’re going to do that by simplifying our governance structures and creating greater alignment across the RV Group so we can maximise our investments in our assets and talent.
“With crowds increasing across the Spring Racing Carnival there is renewed interest in racing. We have a tremendous opportunity to capitalise on this, and further elevate the promotion of racing to a broader audience.
“We need to ensure that we’re not only showcasing Victorian racing on our owned platforms, but that we’re working with others to grow coverage of the sport on theirs.
“We have some outstanding talent across our media businesses and RV and we’re excited to bring them all closer together to achieve positive outcomes for the sport.
“I want to acknowledge and thank Peter Campbell and the Racing.com Media Board led by Rowen Craigie for their incredible passion, hard work and contributions to the business. All have played pivotal roles in shaping and driving the success of the business.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank Bernard Saundry for his leadership at RSN and wish him well in his new role as Chairman of Harness Racing Victoria. Bernard has guided RSN through a key period of transition with great poise and commitment.”
ENDS.
Background Notes
- RDCM incorporates Racing.com, Thoroughbred Racing Productions, Best Bets, Winning Post and Racing Photos.
- RSN is 73.25% owned by RV with the remainder owned by HRV (18.75%) and Greyhound Racing Victoria (8%).
- Today’s announcement follows last month’s appointment of three new RV executives to fill vacancies created throughout 2024 and to bring valuable knowledge, capability, stakeholder engagement, racing and sporting experience to RV.
- Janelle Helleur was elevated to the position of Executive General Manager, People & Performance; Peter Betson commenced last week in the role of Executive General Manager, Strategy & Corporate Services; whilst Vaughn Lynch will start as Chief Operating Officer in February 2025.