New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Matt Ballesty has made sweeping changes to the upper management of the organisation.
Ballesty, who started with NZTR in early March, has axed three executive positions and created four new roles to take their place.
The chief operating officer, chief customer officer and head of marketing, communications and wagering partnerships roles will all be abolished under the new operational structure announced by NZTR on Friday.
A general manager of racing, general manager of welfare and industry capability and a new general manager of brand experience, communications and industry promotion will be recruited.
Dan Smith, who was NZTR’s head of marketing, communications and wagering partnerships, has been appointed to the newly created position of general manager of strategy and transformation.
But Darin Balcombe, NZTR’s COO and who will stay on until October while also remaining acting chief executive of Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc, is a high-profile casualty of the management restructure.
“These changes reflect feedback we have received from industry participants about the need to enhance our leadership capability and sharpen our focus on delivering better outcomes,” Ballesty said.
“Bold change is the theme of our strategic focus going forward and this restructure is a key part of enabling that.”
Tim Rowe
Ballesty acknowledged Balcombe’s contribution to the New Zealand racing industry.
“NZTR is working closely with Darin to explore a future role that harnesses his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the racing industry,” he said.
“I would like to acknowledge Darin’s significant contribution to NZTR as COO and we will continue to work with him through this transition.”
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