Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Peter V’landys is set to become Australian rugby league’s first executive chairman after quitting his role as Racing NSW chief executive.
After 22 years in the role, V’landys will leaving his Racing NSW position at the expiry of his contract on November 30.
Already the Australian Rugby League Commission chairman, V’landys, 66, has also been the acting NRL chief executive since Andrew Abdo left that role in July to become Tennis Australia’s chief executive.
In commenting on his departure from Racing NSW, V’landys said it was a “sad day” for him.
“I have put my heart and soul into racing for 22 years,” he said.
“I have been fortunate to work with outstanding, loyal and hardworking boards of directors and staff.
“I was just a member of a dedicated team of professionals who were able to generate outstanding outcomes for Racing NSW.
“As a team, we went from a struggling jurisdiction to a world-leading jurisdiction.
“I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been in our team. I will miss them greatly and I wish the industry every success.”
In his time as Racing NSW boss, V’landys has overseen $3.5bn in new funding procured, including new recurring annual revenues of $375m.
Racing NSW chair Saranne Cooke said V’landys’ contribution to racing was “without parallel”.
“Peter V’landys has been, without doubt, the most effective and successful administrator in the history of Australian sport,” Dr Cooke said.
“His contribution cannot simply be measured by the extraordinary growth of racing in NSW during his tenure.
“Peter has fundamentally changed the trajectory of racing in this country and made NSW one of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions.
“He has fought relentlessly for participants, challenged long-established conventions, created new revenue streams and consistently ensured that racing was protected during two decades of challenges.
“Most importantly, he has always understood that the strength of racing begins with its participants: the owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, stable staff, clubs and communities all around NSW whose livelihoods depend upon a strong and sustainable industry.
“There would be very few people involved in Australian racing whose circumstances have not been improved directly by Peter’s leadership.”
