Racing SA is on the hunt for a new chief executive after the sudden resignation of Vaughn Lynch after two years in the role.
In a short statement released on Wednesday, Racing SA confirmed Lynch’s departure and that he is returning to Victoria to continue his career.
Lynch joined South Australia’s racing regulator in 2019 and worked his way through the administrative ranks to take on the top job three years later when Nick Redin quit as Racing SA’s CEO in October 2022.
Lynch was initially general manager of racing, wagering and products before being appointed as chief operating officer at Racing SA, the position he held until he was made CEO.
“Vaughn played a key role in helping the Board realise a number of important milestones including achieving an increase in the share of the Point of Consumption Tax returned to the industry to 20 per cent, rolling out significant prizemoney and infrastructure funding increases, securing thoroughbred racing’s landmark seven-year sponsorship agreement with Sportsbet and negotiating a new media rights deal with Racing.com,” a Racing SA statement said.
“While we are sorry to see him go, he leaves our industry in a very strong position and we wish him and (his wife) Anita nothing but the best for their return to Victoria and the next chapter of Vaughn’s career.”
Prior to his move to Adelaide, Lynch held senior administrative roles at Harness Racing Victoria as well as being chief executive at Tasracing where he oversaw thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing.
Lynch will continue to lead Racing SA until February next year while the organisation recruits his successor.
While it is unclear what Lynch’s next job will be, and indeed whether he will remain in racing, there are currently several openings at Racing Victoria as new CEO Aaron Morrison goes about reshaping the executive team.
That includes the executive general manager of racing role vacated by Matt Welsh who resigned a day after Morrison won the CEO role on a permanent basis in late August.
Lynch was contacted by The Straight for comment.
