Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of a reconstituted Board for Racing Victoria.
In accordance with the constitution of Racing Victoria, Mr Pakula determined that three current Directors – Mike Hirst, Greg Nichols and Michael Andrew – will continue in their roles on the Board.
Under the constitution, Mr Pakula was required to convene an Advisory Panel to recommend appointments for the balance of the Board.
The Advisory Panel comprised a representative of the metropolitan racing clubs, a representative of Country Racing Victoria, and a representative of the industry body members. It also included a nominee of the Minister for Racing and a nominee of the Secretary of the Department of Justice & Regulation.
The Panel conducted interviews and unanimously recommended seven candidates for Mr Pakula to consider. From that list of seven, Mr Pakula selected five candidates - Brian Kruger, Rowen Craigie, Kate Joel, Ross Lanyon, and Sharon McCrohan.
Mr Kruger, who has been appointed as Chair, has a career spanning 25 years with extensive experience in the Australian listed company environment. He spent five years as Managing Director of Toll Holdings after joining as Chief Financial Officer. He was also on the Board of the Moonee Valley Racing Club for 11 years.
Mr Craigie has extensive experience working with government and has a strong understanding of wagering. He recently retired as Managing Director at Crown Resorts Limited after a decade in the role.
Ms Joel has served as Chair of Racing Victoria’s Integrity Council and was formerly a Director of Harness Racing Victoria, and has been a business consultant for more than 20 years.
Mr Lanyon is the Managing Director of the Elliott Newspaper Group which owns the Sunraysia Daily. He has received an OAM for his services to thoroughbred racing and was the Chair of Country Racing Victoria from 2001 to 2014.
Ms McCrohan has a career spanning almost 30 years as a journalist and adviser to Federal and State government leaders and cabinets, private sector boards, sporting bodies, charities and government agencies.
From 9 October 2017, the full Board of Racing Victoria will comprise Chair Brian Kruger, Deputy Chair Mike Hirst, and Directors Michael Andrew, Rowen Craigie, Kate Joel, Ross Lanyon, Sharon McCrohan, and Greg Nichols.
Mr Pakula thanked the outgoing Directors – Bryan Gurry, Prue Hayes, Mohan Jesudason, Pearse Morgan and Alice Williams – for their service and contribution to the Board.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“I congratulate each of the new Directors on their appointment to the Board and I look forward to their contribution to advance the interests of the Victorian racing industry.”
“The new appointments will ensure that the Board has stability and continuity as we head into the Spring Carnival.”
“I also thank the outgoing members for their substantial contribution to the Racing Victoria Board and the industry.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020