Gillon McLachlan Appointed as Managing Director And CEO of TabCorp

Former AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of Tabcorp, commencing on August 5, 2024. Until regulatory approvals are finalised, McLachlan will act in an observer capacity, with Bruce Akhurst continuing as Executive Chairman.

The announcement follows McLachlan’s withdrawal from the race for the chairmanship of Racing Victoria, a move that was foreshadowed by Racenet last Friday. Akhurst expressed confidence in McLachlan’s ability to drive growth at Tabcorp, citing his proven track record and deep industry knowledge.

“Gill needs no introduction – he is recognised as one of Australia’s leading CEOs. Securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future,” said Akhurst. “We’ve laid strong foundations, and Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us.”

McLachlan is well-regarded for his significant contributions to the AFL, where he oversaw substantial revenue growth and secured major media rights deals. His experience and expertise in sport, racing, and wagering are expected to be instrumental in driving Tabcorp’s growth.

In his new role, McLachlan aims to accelerate Tabcorp’s transformation journey, focusing on creating entertainment for customers through a unique omni-channel offering across digital, retail, and media platforms. “Tabcorp is a proudly Australian company that contributed $1.1 billion to the racing industry last year. There are enormous opportunities ahead, and I’m looking forward to driving growth in the sport category and beyond,” said McLachlan.

McLachlan’s appointment has garnered positive reactions from industry peers. Racing NSW Chief Executive and National Rugby League Chairman Peter V’landys praised McLachlan, predicting he would excel in his new role. “Gill is one of the leading sports administrators in the world. I think he will do a brilliant job,” said V’landys.

As Tabcorp looks to the future under McLachlan’s leadership, the company is poised to strengthen its position in the wagering and media sectors, leveraging McLachlan’s strategic vision and extensive experience to achieve new heights.