Tabcorp Holdings has confirmed Gillon McLachlan as the firm’s CEO and Managing Director from August 5.
The decision also marks the completion of Tabcorp’s executive search, following the departure of Adam Rytenskild, who resigned in March due to allegations of inappropriate comments made about a female executive.
McLachlan has become a key player in Australian sport, the long-serving Chief Executive of the Australian Football League (AFL), recognised as the country’s biggest sports competition.
During his decade-long tenure at the AFL, McLachlan doubled the league’s revenues to over AU$1bn in 2023, securing the largest broadcast deal in Australian sports for the AFL.
Of distinction, McLachlan oversaw the expansion of the AFL competition to 18 teams and the launch of the AFLW competition. McLachlan resigned from the AFL in the summer of 2023.
Company Chairman, Bruce Akhurst, commented: “Gill needs no introduction – he is recognised 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 capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us.”
McLachlan will take leadership of Tabcorp as the ASX group continues its strategic overhaul, relaunching its new online sportsbook and AUS racing media platform.
Furthermore, beginning in 2025, Tabcorp’s TAB business will become the standalone operator of the Wagering and Betting Licence of the State of Victoria.
Akhurst concluded: “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.”
