Racing Victoria has brought its media business, RDCM, fully back in-house, with CEO Peter Campbell’s role made redundant and RSN chief executive officer Bernard Saundry to depart.
In a communication to staff and stakeholders on Monday, it was confirmed that Campbell, who was chief executive of the media business, which includes Racing.com would remain in a transition role until June 30, 2025, but will now report directly to RV CEO Aaron Morrison, with the previous board scrapped.
Saundry departs at the end of the year as he assumes the role of chairman of Harness Racing Victoria, while the current RDCM chair Rowan Craigie remains as a consultant to CEO.
Campbell’s role will be eventually replaced by an Executive General Manager to report into Morrison.
The media business will relocate back to Racing Victoria’s Epsom Rd offices, with its lease at Docklands not being renewed. However, it will still maintain studio facilities at Docklands.
RDCM incorporates Racing.com, Thoroughbred Racing Productions, Best Bets, Winning Post and Racing Photos, while RSN is 73.25 per cent owned by RV with the remainder owned by HRV (18.75 per cent) and Greyhound Racing Victoria (eight per cent).
“We are committed to keeping everyone well-informed as we navigate this important transition. While daily operations will continue as usual, we are gearing up for positive adjustments and enhancements, starting in early 2025,” Morrison said in an email to staff.
“From February onwards, these enhancements will bring greater alignment and operational efficiency, positioning us for even stronger collaboration and success across the RV group, allowing us to focus on elevating the promotion of Victorian Racing to a wider audience, leveraging new content, channels and partnerships.”
Bren O’Brien
The cost and structure of the media business has long been under scrutiny, with Morrison foreshadowing changes from when he assumed the CEO role permanently in August.
"I want to acknowledge and thank Peter Campbell and the Racing.com Media Board led by Rowen Craigie for their incredible passion, hard work and contributions to the business. All have played pivotal roles in shaping and driving the success of the business," Morrison said in a statement.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank Bernard Saundry for his leadership at RSN and wish him well in his new role as Chairman of Harness Racing Victoria. Bernard has guided RSN through a key period of transition with great poise and commitment.”
