Written by Bren O'Brien
Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Racing Victoria has already begun the hunt for a new CEO after the resignation of Giles Thompson from his role in charge of Victorian racing on Friday.
Thompson has been in the chief executive position since April 2017 and will remain with Racing Victoria until June 30 to assist with the transition to a new leader of the organisation.
Giles Thompson | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Racing Victoria has announced that Executive search firm Egon Zehnder Melbourne will conduct the search for the new chief executive officer.
Thompson said it was 'the right time' to conclude his tenure with Racing Victoria, which he joined as in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer.
“It has been my privilege to lead this industry for more than five years during what has been an incredible period of growth," he said.
Giles Thompson | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
"I am particularly proud of the record $280 million of prizemoney and bonuses now on offer for hardworking participants who are the lifeblood of our sport.
“With the customer at the centre of everything we do, we have been able to drive great outcomes, from the exceptional quality of our racing program, participants and athletes, to our world class infrastructure and facilities."
“With the customer at the centre of everything we do, we have been able to drive great outcomes, from the exceptional quality of our racing program, participants and athletes, to our world class infrastructure and facilities." - Giles Thompson
Thompson took particular pride in the continued evolution of the iconic spring carnival.
“While it will continue to evolve, the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival remains one of the world’s greatest racing events with 21 Group 1 races, $110 million in prizemoney and top-quality racing on some of the best race tracks in the world," he said.
“Having finalised the establishment of the integrated media business and successfully navigated the industry through the peak challenges of the global pandemic, the time is right to hand over to a new CEO to lead the industry into its next phase.”
Owners cheer home a winner at Flemington | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
The past five years have witnessed significant change across the thoroughbred industry, with significant innovation in race programming, which has raised tensions between Australia's two biggest racing jurisdictions, New South Wales and Victoria.
The establishment of Australia's richest race, The Everest by Racing New South Wales, led to Victoria responding with the $5 million All-Star Mile, which was spearheaded by Thompson's team at Racing Victoria.
Thompson has also been at the vanguard of reform in the equine welfare space and has been outspoken on the use of whips in racing.
Mystic Journey after winning the All-Star Mile | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
RV Chairman Brian Kruger paid tribute to the positive impact Thompsan has made in the state.
“On behalf of the Racing Victoria Board and Executive Team I would like to extend my thanks to Giles for his significant contribution to the prosperity of racing in Victoria over more than five years,” Kruger said.
“Giles’ tenure has been characterised by strong governance and financial management, enabling record levels of investment for the benefit of all of our many stakeholders.
“Giles’ tenure has been characterised by strong governance and financial management, enabling record levels of investment for the benefit of all of our many stakeholders." - Brian Kruger
“Of course, his biggest achievement has been leading his team and the industry through the unparalleled challenges of COVID. To have kept the industry operating as successfully as it has over the last two years is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
“The Board appreciates Giles’ commitment to oversee the transition to new leadership and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”
