Godolphin Australia Managing Director, Vin Cox, is one of three new directors appointed to the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) board, with former Fremantle Football Club boss Steve Rosich chosen to be the club's next Chief Executive Officer while Neil Wilson moves into the role of Chairman.
Cox, who has headed up Godolphin's significant breeding and racing operations in Australia since the start of 2018, was previously the Managing Director of Magic Millions and is a well-respected figure in the bloodstock and broader thoroughbred industry.
He has served on a variety of industry boards and brings considerable experience to the position.
The other board appointees were sports media executive Dave Barham and experienced banking executive Michael Saadie.
Barham has had a 35-year career in television, occupying senior roles at Network 10 and the Seven Network and overseeing production of some of the world's biggest sporting events.
Dave Barham
Saddie held key roles at ANZ for over 20 plus years in Institutional Banking, Wealth Management and Private and Corporate Banking. He is currently Chairman of JBWere and Acting Group Executive Business and Private Banking and will take up a permanent role as Executive, Business Banking Metro Australia later in 2020.
Both Barham and Saddie have been involved with racehorse ownership, while Saddie also has breeding interests.
"Each of them brings to the VRC a very special set of skills, as well as a broad network of relationships across local, interstate, and international jurisdictions," a VRC media statement said.
"Each of them brings to the VRC a very special set of skills, as well as a broad network of relationships across local, interstate, and international jurisdictions." - VRC Statement
"The areas of expertise covered by these appointments, which are central to our future direction, include media, racing excellence, globalisation, membership engagement, horse welfare, financial security and the capabilities to ensure a robust balance sheet.
"Importantly, they all have significant racing interests, and a profound respect for the VRC as a club as a business, and as a brand."
Rosich will become the 13th CEO of the club having filled a similar role with the Fremantle Dockers for 11 years.
"With Steve’s strong commercial acumen and broad range of skills and expertise, we are confident he will effectively engage with all stakeholders in the racing industry," the statement said.
Flemington
Rosich will be join the club in September and commence a transition to the role after Melbourne Cup Week in November 2020.
"It is very exciting to be part of the racing industry that has a rich history and diverse range of stakeholders,” Rosich said.
“I am looking forward to helping drive the future success of the VRC, racing in Australia and the experience of all industry stakeholders."
Wilson, who currently holds the CEO role, will become the 22nd Chairman of the VRC in November 2020.
Amanda Elliot
"As previously advised in March 2020, plans and timetables for the Chairman’s succession as well as the appointment of the new CEO have needed to be delayed and remain flexible due to the COVID-19 crisis," the VRC said.
"Within that context, and in the best interests of the club, the VRC Board has extended the time of Amanda Elliott and Neil Wilson, in their respective roles of Chairman and CEO until after Cup Week this year.
"This was deemed necessary to ensure stability and continuity, as well as manage risk over the next few months when key strategic and operational decisions will be made as we emerge from this unprecedented situation."
