Tasracing will commence a search for a new chief executive officer immediately following the resignation of Dr Eliot Forbes and his appointment to the CEO position of Racing Queensland.
Tasracing chairman Dean Cooper said he was confident Dr Forbes’ appointment would be a positive one for the Queensland racing industry given what he had achieved during his time at Tasracing.
“Eliot has been an outstanding chief executive officer who has built and led a committed team, who have turned around Tasracing’s financial position,” he said.
“Equally importantly, he has improved the company’s relationship with the industry.”
Dr Forbes thanked the current and previous Racing Ministers he had worked with over his six years at Tasracing, current and previous directors and all Tasracing employees.
“I have been fortunate to work with a great team of people,” he said.
“We have invested considerable time and effort into resolving the company’s financial issues and opening up transparent communication with industry stakeholders.
“It is pleasing to see that our disciplined financial management and a focus on innovation and working hard with our stakeholders has delivered commercial success and the industry is now well-positioned for continued future growth.”
Mr Cooper said Tasracing’s chief financial officer, Mark Tarring, would be appointed interim CEO.
“Now that the company is on a sustainable footing, its focus will now turn to essential capital works and accelerating growth in industry funding,” he said.
“Those plans are in place and are being implemented.
“Tasracing and the racing industry are moving forward into an exciting phase.”
Mr Cooper said Dr Forbes would officially leave his position at Tasracing on 12 August 2016.