Sydney-listed Tabcorp Holdings has made changes to its executive leadership team to deliver on its strategic growth ambitions.
The appointments have seen Jarrod Villani named chief commercial and media officer, Narelle McKenzie appointed chief legal officer, and Robert Fraser promoted to chief technology and transformation officer.
Tabcorp has also established a new chief wagering officer role, bringing together the core wagering functions of digital, retail, trading, marketing and product, including Tote innovation.
A search process for the chief wagering officer role is well advanced and an appointment is expected to be announced in the new year.
In conjunction with this, Tabcorp said that the chief commercial and media officer role has been created to deliver stronger commercial outcomes and maximise the value of the company’s assets across domestic and international media (Sky Racing), as well as retail. This role will also have responsibility for the Gaming Services business, Max.
“The changes to our structure will increase our wagering capability and drive growth across both wagering and media,” said Tabcorp managing director and CEO elect Gillon McLachlan. “It allows one executive to control the key wagering assets within our ecosystem. It’s a simpler model that brings our wagering team together to drive first class execution.”
As chief commercial and media officer, Villani brings extensive transformation experience with deep expertise in the media sector, having most recently served as the regional leader of Paramount ANZ, encompassing the Australian operations of Network 10 and Paramount+.
Prior to that he was managing partner of KordaMentha, during which time he led the successful restructure and sale of Network 10 to American television and entertainment network CBS.
“I am also delighted to welcome an experienced commercial executive in Jarrod Villani,” said McLachlan. “Jarrod has extensive transformation experience, particularly in the Media sector. Jarrod’s role will ensure that we deliver stronger commercial outcomes and maximise the unique asset base at Tabcorp, particularly Sky Racing.”
Tabcorp’s new chief legal officer Narelle McKenzie joins the company after almost 20 years at telecommunications company Telstra, where she held multiple general counsel roles. She brings extensive legal experience advising highly regulated technology and telecommunications companies in Australia and the United Kingdom. This includes six years in private practice at top-tier law firms.
Meanwhile, Robert Fraser has been appointed chief technology and transformation officer, having served as chief transformation officer, leading the design and execution of the company’s Genesis Program along with the successful separation from The Lottery Corporation.
As part of these changes, chief customer officer Jenni Barnett and chief information officer Alan Sharvin will be leaving Tabcorp.
“You’re seeing continued change,” continued McLachlan. “We will have an executive team with market leading experience in wagering and media. They will be responsible for driving our revenue and will have control of the assets that only Tabcorp has at its disposal in the Australian wagering market.
“I wish to thank Alan Sharvin and Jenni Barnett for their significant contribution to the business since the demerger in 2022. They’ve played a pivotal role in improving the competitiveness of Tabcorp.
“We are moving quickly to execute on the exciting opportunities that lie within our unique asset base and today’s changes are an example of that. I look forward to updating shareholders on our progress and our evolved strategy as part of our half year results in February,” he added.
Tabcorp also confirmed the previously announced retirement of Justin Milne from the Board, effective 31 December.
Milne has been a non-executive director since 2011. During his tenure he served on several Board Committees, including chairman of the Technology Committee.
Shares in Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX:TAH) gained 2.63 per cent to close at AU$0.55 per share in Sydney Monday.