Restructure at Racing Victoria sees key faces depart

A major restructure at Racing Victoria has led to several key departures, among them prominent figures in the on and off-air teams at Racing.com.

*Staff at Racing.com are among those impacted by the changes. (Photo: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images)*

Paul Tatnell, who had been Racing.com’s editor-in-chief and general manager of content for six years, informed staff on Tuesday that he would be leaving his position this week.

It is the most significant departure from the revamped Racing Victoria media business since the arrival of Andy Hoad into the role of executive general manager (EGM) – media, content and marketing in March.

The Straight understands that Tatnell also applied for that role but was unsuccessful.

Staff were told there would be further structural changes to the content business, with several other departures in both content and production on Tuesday. It is understood several prominent on-air presenters will depart, including one senior racecaller.

But the impacts were also felt across other aspects of the Racing Victoria business, affecting senior leadership, management and other staff.

Asked about the changes by The Straight, RV issued a statement that said the executive team has undertaken a comprehensive review of the structure, resources and operations over recent months.

“The review was focused on ensuring that the RV Group’s operating model is efficient in the face of current challenges and future financial uncertainty, as well as properly aligned to deliver on strategic objectives,” it read.

“Along with a decline in wagering revenue, the RV Group has experienced changes to its previous funding model and ongoing pressure on operational costs.”

“Accordingly, the review considered what resourcing and activities are essential for the RV Group to administer and showcase Victorian racing moving forward.”

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RV, which incurred a net deficit of $11.4 million last year, and is navigating a further 5 per cent fall in wagering revenue this year, said the review had culminated in “a restructure and refinement of the business to best align the RV Group’s resourcing with its strategic objectives”.

“As a result, a number of roles across all levels and divisions of the RV Group, including the recently integrated RV-owned media businesses, will not be a part of the future structure,” it said.

“In addition, various reporting lines and leadership responsibilities are changing across the RV Group to streamline decision making and drive greater accountability.”

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The statement acknowledged the service of those who would depart RV.

“We recognise that this is a tough time for those whose role is no longer required. These are people who have given great service to the RV Group and the Victorian racing industry,” it said.

“We thank them for their service and will continue to support them as they transition to their next career move, including via our Employee Assistance Program.”

It said RV needed to be on a more stable footing to address the current challenges and future financial uncertainty.

“It is also to ensure the business is aligned with its strategic goals,” it read.

The media business has been under scrutiny ever since Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison took the role last August.

The chief executive role at Racing.com, previously held by Peter Campbell, was made redundant last December when the separate RDCM business was folded back under the control of Racing Victoria.

That period also saw Bernard Saundry leave as chief executive of radio station RSN and take the role as chair of Harness Racing Victoria.