After more than three years in the role, Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson is leaving the business and will return to Sydney.
Mr Eriksson said that the past two years during COVID, given the lockdowns and other restrictions, had been significantly personally challenging and he was returning to Sydney to spend time with his family before looking for a new role.
Following discussions with the Board, it was agreed that now was the appropriate time for this change before the implementation of the outcomes of the Review of the Racing Regulation Act 2004.
Tasracing Chair Gene Phair thanked Mr Eriksson for his work as CEO.
“Paul made a significant contribution to the development of the broader Tasmanian racing industry during his tenure in a number of areas,” he said.
Mr Phair said his achievements included:
- The delivery of a five-year strategic plan, setting new vision and values to deliver growth.
- Significantly improved transparency around the reporting of welfare and injury statistics for equine and greyhounds, as well as significant welfare improvements for greyhounds.
- Negotiated 80 per cent of Point of Consumption Tax incremental revenues worth about $6.5 million per year for the industry
- A strong financial position allowing Tasracing to sustainably fund the continued growth of code funding and deliver a five-year $55 million infrastructure plan.
- Code funding growth of nearly 40 per cent.
- Expanded digital reach of Tasracing’s unique Tasmanian FormPlus system which contributed to revenue growth.
- Delivery of COVID industry support payments from internal funding to ensure equine and greyhounds stayed in work during the COVID shutdown and participants had funds to continue operating their businesses.
- Appropriate resourcing of racing operations and track teams.
Mr Eriksson’s last day with Tasracing will be Friday 8 July 2022.
Andrew Jenkins, current Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as interim CEO. A search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately.