‘A shocking look’ – MRC committee member quits after raising governance concerns
Melbourne Racing Club committee member Barbara Saunders has quit her role with the club just days after raising concerns with chairman John Kanga about the pending departure of chief executive Tom Reilly and the appointment of a new chief operating officer.
Saunders, who has been on the MRC committee since 2024, boasts considerable board experience in both racing and commercial areas and was chair of the MRC’s nominations, remuneration, and governance sub-committee before her resignation on Monday.
She penned a letter to Kanga and other directors on Saturday, after the chairman had told his fellow directors that Reilly’s position as chief executive was untenable. Reilly’s departure from the MRC was announced by Kanga on Monday night.
The Straight understands the letter offered support for Reilly, and condemned the process for selecting a proposed chief operating officer, a position Tanya Fullarton was appointed to on Reilly’s departure.
Saunders, who also spent several years on the board of Racing Victoria, said senior roles such as the one assumed by Fullarton, which is responsible for around 100 staff, should be advertised with a proper process.
In the letter she said she would be happy to support Fullarton getting that role if she were to go through that process, but to appoint her without that would be “a shocking look” for the MRC.
Fullarton has a long career in marketing, events and commercial aspects of the racing industry. She is also the vice-chair and executive officer of TROA. Kanga praised her background and experience on Monday.
“Tanya has an excellent reputation and deep experience and relationships across the racing industry,” he said.
“She has in excess of 30 years commercial experience at a high level, with a skill set incorporating and including event management, business management, administration, marketing and sponsorship and has grown her management consultancy business over recent years to provide a series of important roles and services for corporate and racing clients.”
Bren O’Brien
The chief operating officer role reportedly carries a salary of around $500,000.
Saunders also raised concerns about the decision to contract Kenneth Neff, of the GSA Group, as a track maintenance consultant.
The Straight understands that several other committee members hold concerns about the way in which the chief operating officer role was filled and the nature of Reilly’s departure.
Staff at the MRC were also said to be surprised by Reilly’s sudden exit.
The MRC has been contacted for comment.
Reilly offered his first comment on his departure in a social media post on Tuesday.
“A brief update on my change in circumstance: while I am disappointed to leave the MRC, I can say that during my time as CEO I always sought to act in the best interests of the club,” he said.
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