Greyhound Racing NSW announces executive management changes

The restructuring includes the creation of new positions.

Australia.- Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced an organisational restructure. It’s created four new executive positions: chief racing officer, chief operating officer, chief welfare officer, and chief corporate services officer. Meanwhile, the roles of deputy chief executive officer, chief commercial officer, director of rehoming and adoption, and chief financial officer will no longer exist.

According to the GRNSW, the restructure is intended to update the organisation’s operational framework, including its use of technology and delivery of services. It also forms part of GRNSW’s wider plan to improve internal capability and respond to recent findings from the Drake Inquiry.

GRNSW CEO Steve Griffin said: “Having recently been appointed as GRNSW CEO after six years leading the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC), I am aware of heightened community expectations around animal welfare.

“For our sport to thrive we have to continue growing, and the new structure will help unlock our enormous ambitions for innovation to make the sport thrive into the future. That includes some exciting operational changes for track participants and TV and online viewers, that will improve animal safety while bringing about a much better user experience.”

As a result of the restructure, deputy chief executive officer Wayne Billett will leave the GRNSW after more than 20 years, including nine months as acting CEO.

Griffin said: “I want to publicly acknowledge Wayne’s forceful advocacy for the greyhound industry, his passion for the sport and substantial body of achievement over many years. He is rightly well respected and well regarded by many in the industry.

“Wayne’s expertise and knowledge will not be lost to the sport as we will look to involve him in some of the exciting projects we have ahead of us. We also thank Jamie Palmer for her efforts in reshaping our rehoming programs and particularly for the lead role she played working with first responders in the organisation’s new PTSD Program. We wish Jamie all the very best in the next stage of her career.

“The next 12 months will be exciting for the greyhound industry as we embark on long-awaited modernisation that is designed to energise current industry participants and attract new players for the first time.”