Racing NSW Appoints Graeme Hinton as CEO in Unanimous Board Decision

Racing NSW has announced the unanimous appointment of Graeme Hinton as Chief Executive Officer, commencing December 1, 2026.

Hinton, who has served as acting chief executive officer since July and previously held the chief operating officer role for over a decade, succeeds Peter V’landys AM in steering the organisation’s commercial and strategic trajectory.

Racing NSW chair, Dr. Saranne Cooke, highlighted the rigorous governance behind the appointment

“The Board has had a succession plan in place for a number of years.”

“When Peter advised us of his decision, we consulted key stakeholders across the industry, and their support for Graeme was resounding.

“The Board’s decision was unanimous.

“The industry faces significant opportunities and risks over the coming years, and a CEO with deep experience in wagering and racing is critical.

“There is arguably no one in racing with Graeme’s breadth of knowledge, from the dynamics of wagering to the racing program, equine and participant welfare and the fundamentally important role of regulation.

“He is widely respected amongst participants and clubs. And he is a big thinker who wants to grow racing, not simply manage it.

“Hinton has been instrumental to Racing NSW’s major commercial milestones, including the establishment of The Everest and expansion of the Spring Carnival, alongside representing the sector during Senate inquiries into gambling advertising reform,” Cooke said.

Outgoing chief executive officer, Peter V’landys, praised his successor’s extensive capabilities.

“Racing is extremely lucky to have Graeme. He is one of the rare individuals who have deep knowledge of every aspect of the racing industry.”

“He is a brilliant commercial operator and is just as comfortable making the hard decisions as a regulator, without fear or favour.

“I have dealt with many racing CEOs over the last 22 years.

“Graeme is lengths superior to any of them, even at this stage.

“Although he is already the best in Australia, he will only get better, with the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry being the winner.

“I compliment the Racing NSW Board for its strong leadership in acting quickly and decisively to guarantee the future of all the participants in the NSW racing industry,” V’landys said.

Accepting the role, Graeme Hinton emphasised his dedication to long-term economic stability and industry collaboration

“It is a privilege to lead such an incredible industry that I have grown up around and have spent my working life in.”

“Racing is part of the economic and social fabric of our entire state.

“It provides employment to tens of thousands of people and entertainment to many, many more.

“I have been honoured to have spent the past decade involved in growing and improving this industry and ensuring that we have the foundations in place to protect it for the future.

“I look forward to working closely with the Racing NSW Board, our clubs, participants and industry partners to build on these strong foundations to ensure NSW remains at the forefront of racing in Australia and internationally.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I am always willing to listen and always keen to help.

“I want to continue to do that, so we can tackle the industry’s challenges together and ensure that it is here for generations to come,” Hinton said.

Minister for Gaming and Racing, Honourable David Harris MP, added: “I welcome the appointment of Graeme Hinton to CEO of Racing NSW. Mr Hinton brings valued experience and expertise to the role, and I look forward to working with him.”

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.