Former AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan is out of the running as Chairman of Racing Victoria as he continues his search for full time employment.
The Victorian Government’s Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines on Friday announced two new appointees to the RV Board, Mark Player and Tim Rourke, while a new Chairman and Deputy Chair are still to be appointed.
McLachlan had been touted as the possible RV Chairman until late last month.
Player and Rourke commence their positions immediately and have been appointed for two and four years respectively.
It is hoped the positions of Chairman and Deputy Chair will be resolved at, or prior to, the next Board meeting on June 21.
There are currently eight serving Board members which will drop to seven after current acting Chairman Mike Hurst leaves the Board on June 30 after almost nine years of service.
Carbines has left open the remaining Board position to be filled at a later date.
Rourke joins the RV Board having had extensive business experience and is the current Chief Executive Officer of CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy and is also an active thoroughbred owner and breeder.
Player has been a highly respected member of the international thoroughbred racing and breeding industry for more than 25 years, working in senior positions at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing and RV.
He founded International Thoroughbred Solutions in 2011, an independent thoroughbred consultancy business whose clients have included the HKJC, Ascot, Newmarket and Goodwood Racecourses (UK), Breeders Cup (USA) and Goffs and currently holds the title of Executive Chairman of Macedon Lodge.
Hirst said Player’s extensive international racing and equine expertise and Rourke’s business acumen will make them invaluable members of the Board.
“The members of the Board look forward to working with Tim and Mark and are confident that they will play a key role in fostering the ongoing success of Victorian racing,” Hirst said.