Dean McKenzie to lead RITA transformation
The New Zealand’s Racing Industry Transition Agency informed that he will replace John Allen as Chief Executive.
New Zealand.- Dean McKenzie will take the position of interim Executive Chair, according to the New Zealand’s Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA). McKenzie will have to support the passage of the country’s Racing Industry Bill and will oversee RITA’s transformation into TAB NZ.
McKenzie will take the role from January until June 2020 after the exit of Chief Executive John Allen who will be stepping down from RITA next 20 December.
The role is an extension of the responsibilities McKenzie has undertaken since he was appointed Chair of RITA in July 2019.
“His appointment to Executive Chair will ensure RITA maintains the momentum of significant urgent reform required to revitalise racing, while providing continuity and stability in the management of the day to day activities of the TAB”, explained RITA in a statement.
Meanwhile, RITA Chief Operating Officer Stephen Henry will take on additional operational responsibilities until the end of June, which is hoped will ‘ensure the continued, efficient delivery of the day-to-day running of the TAB.’
RITA will advertise for the role of CEO TAB NZ immediately and aims to have a new permanent appointment in place by 1 July 2020.
Earlier this year, RITA secured a new deal and partnership which saw Flutter Entertainment’s Australian market subsidiary Sportsbet launch live streaming of races in a move to drive new audience engagements.
