Tabcorp has announced the appointment of Gillon McLachlan as managing director and chief executive officer, effective from 5 August 2024.

McLachlan assumes the role on 5 August and replaces Adam Rytenskild, who resigned from the company in March after using “inappropriate and offensive” language in the workplace.

McLachlan joins the operator after a decade as the CEO of the Australian Football League (AFL).

During his tenure, AFL revenue more than doubled from A$502 million (€309.8 million) in 2013 to A$1.1 billion in 2023, which included the biggest sports broadcasting rights deal in Australian history.

He also oversaw the expansion of the AFL competition to 18 teams, as well as the launch of the AFLW women’s competition. He is also a thoroughbred owner and breeder.

“Gill needs no introduction, he is recognised as one of Australia’s leading chief executives and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future,” said Tabcorp executive chairman Bruce Akhurst.

“Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history and we’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”

McLachlan said of his appointment: “Tabcorp is a wagering, broadcast and integrity services business and the challenges of growing it are appealing, it’s about creating entertainment for our customers in a safe way and providing a unique customer omni-channel entertainment offering across digital, retail and the media business.

“Tabcorp is a proudly Australian company that contributed A$1.1 billion to the racing industry last year and continues to be one of the racing industry’s biggest partners, as well as the wagering licensee in all states, except for WA. This is a really important component of my decision. There are enormous opportunities ahead and I’m looking forward to driving the sport category, among other things,” he added.

“Tabcorp is part way through its transformation journey and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team to accelerate and deliver on the growth opportunities.”

Shares in Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX:TAH) closed 0.76 per cent higher at AUD$0.66 per share in Sydney Monday.