Entain reshapes trans-Tasman leadership as Moncur exits
Wagering company Entain has appointed new managing directors in Australia and New Zealand as part of an ongoing restructure, with long-serving New Zealand-based executive Sam Moncur to exit the business.
Entain has made significant executive changes to its Australasian business, establishing separate managing director roles for Australia and New Zealand, while Sam Moncur is set to leave the business.
Moncur has been chief financial officer (CFO) and managing director of Entain’s New Zealand operation since Cameron Rodger resigned in February last year, and has been with TAB NZ since 2013.
As he departs, Chris Haigh, currently chief media officer (CMO), will become managing director, while Chris Ward, who holds the title of chief revenue officer (CRO), will be promoted to managing director of Entain’s Australia arm
It is the latest tranche of changes at the trans-Tasman wagering company since Andrew Vouris took over as chief executive from Dean Shannon in June last year.
Amid a major restructure and strategy reset, largely prompted by legal proceedings brought by AUSTRAC, Entain has cut over $100 million in costs out of its Australian and New Zealand businesses, shedding up to 200 jobs.
While it has yet to have its Federal Court date with AUSTRAC – due in late November – the business has shown green shoots in revenue growth in recent months after an extended period of decline.
“These changes position Entain for the next phase of our growth. They keep us focused on innovating for our customers, strengthen accountability and disciplined execution across both markets, while continuing to strengthen our compliance culture,” Vouris said.
Ward joined the business when it was Ladbrokes Australia in 2015, initially as general manager of its digital decision and then chief digital officer – first for Neds from 2017 to 2019, and then for the broader Entain business from 2019 until 2023.
Brisbane-based, he has been CRO since January 2024 and will now lead the Australian business in a dedicated role.
Haigh, meanwhile, spent several years in senior product and strategy roles at Foxtel before joining as CMO for the Australia and New Zealand business in 2023.
He is Waikato-based and will step into the role previously held by Moncur.
“New Zealand is a critical part of Entain’s strategy and Chris’s appointment reflects that importance. He also loves racing, the All Blacks and the Wahs – I am confident he will deliver,” Vouris said.
Moncur’s departure ends his eight-and-a-half-year association with the Entain/TAB NZ businesses, during which he worked in finance and media roles before stepping into the joint managing director and CFO role last March.
He also worked with the former New Zealand Racing Board, providing management information and board reporting from 2013 to 2020.
“Sam has played a pivotal role in establishing and growing our partnership with TAB NZ over the past three years, building on a long and successful career with TAB NZ dating back to 2013,” Vouris said.
“I want to sincerely thank Sam for his contribution to Entain ANZ and wish him every success for the future.”
Moncur thanked Entain for the opportunity.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of Entain’s journey and to help establish our partnership with TAB NZ. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I leave knowing the business is in great hands with my fellow Kiwi, Chris Haigh,” he said.
The timing of Moncur’s departure is notable, with expectations of a potential shake-up in how thoroughbred and harness racing are administered in New Zealand in the coming months.
A report delivered by the TAB New Zealand Racing Advisory Committee, chaired by businessman Sir Peter Vela, warned of significant structural deficits in Kiwi racing administration unless changes are made.
Among the recommendations was unified governance through the merger of the administrative bodies New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand, with each code retaining its identity and expertise.
Moncur would be considered a strong candidate should an executive opportunity arise as a result of this change.
Separately, Entain’s general counsel Adam Bennett will leave at the end of July, with Kim Lindsay set to become chief legal and risk officer and company secretary.
“Adam has made a significant contribution to Entain, and I thank him for his leadership and dedication over the past nine years,” Vouris said.
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