The identity of the next CEO of Racing Victoria could be known as soon as this week, with the RV Board down to a choice between current interim CEO Aaron Morrison and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Chief Executive Tom Reilly.
The Straight understands final interviews are currently being conducted with both candidates in a process led by new Chairman Tim Eddy, and the Board will meet this week to finalise.
While other candidates were spoken to, and other names canvassed, it is believed to be down to Morrison and Reilly.
Morrison has long been the favourite to assume the CEO role on a permanent basis, having served as Chief Operating Officer under previous CEO Andrew Jones, who departed suddenly in April.
Having worked at Racing Victoria since 2017, Morrison was appointed into the interim role on Jones’ departure and has used the last three and half months to try and mend some of the divisions and heal relationships with some stakeholders which soured through previous regimes.
Morrison, who was a candidate for the CEO role when Jones was appointed in 2022, has made no secret of his desire to assume the permanent position, and has used the interim opportunity to push his case.
However, the recruiting process, which has been spearheaded by external firm Heidrick and Struggles, has identified a strong alternate candidate in Reilly, who has been CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Australia for the past decade.
A former senior journalist and editor at the Sydney Morning Herald, Reilly’s long tenure at TBA, which also includes marketing company Aushorse, has been seen as highly successful.
While he has extensive executive experience in his current role, Reilly’s strength is also in his relationships, not only in the breeding and racing industry, but also in politics, media and wagering circles.
He also has previous practical experience working for three years in stables in the United Kingdom and the United States.
While Morrison holds the power of interim incumbency, The Straight understands some members of the Board are keen to see a refresh of the executive in a bid to re-invigorate Racing Victoria. This is an approach which would favour Reilly.
Eddy has said he is keen to announce the new CEO appointment before the start of the spring carnival and with the Memsie Stakes, the first Group 1 of the Victorian season, to be held on August 31, a decision, and announcement, is expected imminently.
Bren O’Brien
