Tabcorp makes changes to Executive Leadership Team
Tabcorp Holdings has announced changes to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) including increased wagering and media capability to deliver Tabcorp’s strategic growth ambitions.
Central to the changes is the creation of a Chief Wagering Officer role bringing together the core wagering functions of digital, retail, trading, marketing and product, including Tote innovation. This structure will provide the Chief Wagering Officer control of key levers that drive wagering revenue and better connect the TAB ecosystem. A search process for the Chief Wagering Officer role is well advanced and appointment is expected to be announced in the new year.
In conjunction, a Chief Commercial and Media Officer role has also been created to deliver stronger commercial outcomes and maximise the value of our assets across domestic and international media (Sky Racing) and our retail footprint. This role will also have responsibility for our Gaming Services business, Max.
Jarrod Villani has been appointed Chief Commercial and Media Officer. Mr Villani has extensive transformation experience with deep expertise in the Media sector. Mr Villani was most recently the Regional Leader of Paramount ANZ encompassing the Australian operations of Network 10 and Paramount+. During this time Mr Villani had oversight of all commercial and operational aspects and was involved in the launch of Paramount+ in Australia, the negotiation of sport media rights and the restructuring of various business operations. Previously he was a Managing Partner of KordaMentha during which time he led the successful restructure and sale of Network 10 to American television and entertainment network CBS.
Narelle McKenzie has been appointed Chief Legal Officer. Ms McKenzie joins Tabcorp after almost 20 years at Telstra where she held multiple General Counsel roles. Ms McKenzie brings extensive legal experience advising highly regulated technology and telecommunications companies in Australia and the United Kingdom. This includes 6 years in private practice at top-tier law firms.
Robert Fraser has been appointed Chief Technology & Transformation Officer. Mr Fraser is currently Chief Transformation Officer and has led the design and execution of the Company’s Genesis Program along with the successful separation from the Lottery Corporation. Mr Fraser has over 15 years experience in enterprise transformation across digital operations, data and strategic partnering. Prior to joining Tabcorp, Mr Fraser was a senior executive with Ausnet Services with responsibility for Transformation, Data Science and AI. All appointments are subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
As part of these changes, the Chief Customer Officer, Ms Jenni Barnett, and Chief Information Officer, Mr Alan Sharvin, will be leaving the business.
Managing Director & CEO Elect, Gillon McLachlan said: “The changes to our structure will increase our wagering capability and drive growth across both wagering and media. It allows one executive to control the key wagering assets within our ecosystem. It’s a simpler model that brings our wagering team together to drive first class execution.
“I am also delighted to welcome an experienced commercial executive in Jarrod Villani. Jarrod has extensive transformation experience, particularly in the Media sector. Jarrod’s role will ensure that we deliver stronger commercial outcomes and maximise the unique asset base at Tabcorp, particularly Sky Racing.
“You’re seeing continued change. We will have an executive team with market leading experience in wagering and media. They will be responsible for driving our revenue and will have control of the assets that only Tabcorp has at its disposal in the Australian wagering market.
“I wish to thank Alan Sharvin and Jenni Barnett for their significant contribution to the business since the demerger in 2022. They’ve played a pivotal role in improving the competitiveness of Tabcorp.
“We are moving quickly to execute on the exciting opportunities that lie within our unique asset base and today’s changes are an example of that. I look forward to updating shareholders on our progress and our evolved strategy as part of our half year results in February.”
