Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Chairman Dale Monteith has announced the appointment of David Martin as Chief Executive Officer, HRV.
Monteith said HRV was fortunate to have secured an experienced CEO with a track record of success in transforming organizations, including the key areas of consultation, engagement, product development and revenue growth.
"Following an extensive search I am proud to announce David Martin has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer effective Monday, 9 January, 2017," Monteith said.
"In governance terms the most important decision a board can make in its lifetime is the appointment of a CEO with all the necessary skills and expertise. David brings much needed commercial expertise to the role as a long-serving and highly successful CEO, having held leadership positions across a range of areas."
Martin said his passion for racing in Victoria stemmed from fond memories of visiting racetracks across the state with his dad, through to 'Dad and Dave' days at the track in the latter stages of his father's life. "I'm really looking forward to revisiting some tracks I haven't seen in a while, and others I've never been to. Most importantly, I look forward to talking with all of our people about the future of our industry," Martin said.
"I know there is tremendous pride and passion for harness racing, so I will start by listening and then convert ideas into initiatives and strategies that will enable us to achieve our goals."
Having lived and worked in Melbourne as well as the Wimmera, Gippsland, Ovens Murray and Bendigo regions, Martin said he had a strong understanding of communities throughout Victoria.
Martin said he was aware of the challenges facing the industry, including declining revenues and other industry KPIs, but added: "These aspects only further energize my desire to bring our industry together behind a common goal."
Monteith said HRV Interim CEO Kay Rundle had provided strong leadership and wise counsel to the HRV Board since her appointment in July. "It would be remiss of me if I did not thank and pay due credit to Kay Rundle, who has served as interim CEO," Mr Monteith said.
"Kay has achieved more in her short time than the board could have expected and this work critically will enable our new CEO to hit the ground running with a 2017 agenda that will herald an era of change for the industry."
(Harness Racing Victoria)