🔒 🔒 The hunt is on – Racing Queensland launches global search for permanent CEO
Recruiter u&u has commenced its global search for a chief executive to implement Queensland racing’s reform program, with acting Racing Queensland CEO Lachlan Murray among the candidates.
More than 18 months after Jason Scott announced he would leave the organisation, Racing Queensland has opened its search for a permanent chief executive.
Recruitment firm u&u has begun an international search for an executive to lead Racing Queensland through the implementation of the Racing Review and the Queensland government’s response, The Next Lap.
“We are pleased to officially launch the search for the future CEO of Racing Queensland,” u&u chief executive Craig Sneesby said in announcing the process.
“This is such an exciting opportunity to lead and deliver a generational reform agenda in Queensland Racing.”.
Sneesby said u&u would conduct a thorough search for the best talent.
“The role will be remunerated very competitively and will give the successful candidate an opportunity to shape one of the largest infrastructure spends in Queensland sport,” he said.
The launch advances a recruitment process that remained unresolved during the racing review, the government response and a major change to the Racing Queensland board.
Scott announced his departure in January 2025, about two years after taking the role. Racing Queensland originally allowed six months to find a permanent successor, yet Lachlan Murray has remained acting chief executive since Scott departed in mid-2025.
The recruitment brief places implementation of The Next Lap at the centre of the position. The chief executive will report to the Racing Queensland board and turn the government response into a sequenced, measurable program.
The successful candidate will also oversee infrastructure and capital projects connected to the Racing Future Fund, which was allotted $200 million in this year’s state budget.
They will also advise the board on commercial opportunities and risk, and strengthen governance across the statutory body. Commercial responsibilities cover wagering, media, sponsorship and other revenue sources, while the brief also includes participant safety and animal welfare.
According to Racing Queensland, the state’s racing industry adds nearly $2.5 billion in value to the Queensland economy and supports about 14,500 full-time equivalent jobs. The network comprises 119 licensed race clubs and draws more than 800,000 racegoers each year.
The stated requirements include delivering major reform, engaging with government, managing finances and overseeing infrastructure or property programs.
Sneesby and u&u executive partner James Lazarus are leading the recruitment process, which launched on Tuesday after ongoing discussions.
It comes as Racing and Wagering Western Australia begins its own search for a chief executive after Ian Edwards’ decision to depart in November, and with the top job at Racing NSW likely up for grabs.
Media coverage suggests that Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys is expected to make his move to rugby league permanent in the coming days.
Graeme Hinton, currently interim boss, would be heavily favoured to succeed him, but a full recruitment process is likely.
Murray’s latest extension as acting chief executive runs until December 31, giving the board time to complete the search without another interim appointment. He confirmed earlier this year that he will apply.
Racing Queensland chairman Matthew McGrath has ruled out applying for the role, despite ongoing industry speculation linking him with an executive chairman-type arrangement.
McGrath conducted the independent Racing Review before being appointed chairman as part of a wider board restructure.
The search follows months of industry discussion about potential candidates, including executives with backgrounds in racing administration, wagering and bloodstock.
The new chief executive will inherit an organisation that remained profitable despite weaker wagering activity, recording a $34.4 million profit last year.
With its latest financial report expected in the coming weeks, the permanent appointee will be charged with finding new revenue, implementing the new operating model, and managing Racing Queensland’s infrastructure commitments across the state.
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