Media Release
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) today announced that long-serving Chief Executive John Anderson is to leave HRV effective from 15 July 2016.
The recently appointed Board and Mr Anderson have worked collaboratively in arriving at this decision.
The HRV Board will now embark on a rigorous search for a new CEO to assist the Board in implementing a new direction for harness racing in Victoria. While this process is undertaken Ms Kay Rundle has been appointed to the Interim CEO role.
Ms Rundle brings a wealth of Chief Executive experience, having served in that capacity with Maribyrnong, Greater Geelong and Port Philip councils. Her expertise in change management, strategic planning and governance and established links across government will assist the HRV Board to position the industry for the future.
The Board wishes to pay tribute to Mr Anderson for his major contributions to harness racing in Victoria over nearly 13 years during which time many significant milestones were achieved.
Some of the legacies left by Mr Anderson will include:
- The purchase of a large parcel of land in Melton, to create Victorian harness racing’s first ever home
- Overseeing the construction of the $50-million-dollar entertainment complex on a portion of that land
- The significant enhancement of the Vicbred Scheme, including the successful new Super Series format
- The introduction of the lucrative Vicbred Platinum incentive scheme
- The strategic enhancement and development of the trotting gait in Victoria which leads Australian harness racing
- The extraordinary growth in international export of Victorian product overseas with new revenues generated therefrom
- Significant additional investment in the critical area of Integrity Services
- The improvement in Victoria’s feature race programs including the hugely successful Breeders Crown, Summer of Glory and Vicbred finals meetings
- Furthering the interests of harness racing by serving on the TABCORP JV Management Committee for the duration of his term as Chief Executive.
- The investment in Victorian Regional infrastructure, including the rebuilding of many of Victoria’s premier harness tracks to modern standards which also encompassed horse welfare needs.
- The establishment of the HERO Program for the re-training and re-homing of retired race horses.
Both Mr Anderson and the HRV Board believe that now is the right time for change given the significant renewal of the HRV Board earlier in 2016.
Mr Anderson wishes to record that he gave his full commitment to the industry which he loves over a sustained period and advised the Board that he has enjoyed every moment of his involvement with HRV.
HRV Chairman Dale Monteith said:
“John should be immensely proud of his contribution to what has been achieved during his tenure”.
John Anderson said:
“I leave knowing that HRV is well placed to capitalize upon many of the opportunities identified in the industry’s strategic plan with a new and engaged Board.
“The future of harness racing is secure particularly with the development of the expansive land owned by HRV in Melton. Other arrangements are in place to ensure the sport’s long term survival.
“I will not be leaving the industry entirely as I can now look forward to actively participating in the future as a spectator, owner, and maybe even one day as a breeder.
“I would also like to record my appreciation for the friendships and support I have received over the years from HRV staff and many industry participants and stake holders. I wish the industry well!”
Media enquiries:
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)
t: 03 8378 0288 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au | tw: @codywinnell
