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The Canberra Racing Club today announced that Darren Pearce will join as Chief Executive Officer within weeks.
Chair of the Racing Club Committee, Tim Olive, said the Club was delighted to have secured Darren as its new CEO at such a transformative time when Darren's leadership and experience will be critical.
"Darren joins the CRC having been a Senior Executive within both racing and wagering and the banking and accounting industries," he said.
"He was the youngest ever CEO of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) in 2009, founding CEO of the Australian Turf Club (ATC) and Executive General Manager of Media and International at Tabcorp.
"In his time at the ATC, Darren played a key role in reinvigorating Sydney racing, leading the organisation through a period of major growth and change.
"He was closely involved in the merger of the AJC and STC and was the inaugural CEO of the merged entity.
"Importantly, in view of the CRC's major redevelopment plans, he partnered with Racing NSW to secure funding for the redevelopment of Randwick racecourse, including the delivery of a new six storey, $180 million grandstand facility, and successfully oversaw the project with the ATC Board and team.
"He was the leader of the ATC when the Championships and the Everest race concepts were introduced by Racing NSW. His time as CEO of the ATC coincided with a period of major increases to prize money, strong growth in the industry and a major financial strengthening for the club and Racing NSW.
Darren has a bold vision for thoroughbred racing in the ACT as well as our major Precinct Development which will eventually be home to over 5,000 Canberrans. Darren has rich experience in the development of racecourse assets and managing property development transactions with major national and international partners.
"Darren's excellent stakeholder management and commercial skills will also be of critical importance for the CRC as we navigate this period of significant change which will lead to a stronger future for the Club and the broader racing industry in the ACT."
Speaking on his appointment, Darren said "This is a once in a 100-year opportunity to deliver business and precinct transformation that will have a generational impact. I am highly focused to create a brighter future for the thoroughbred racehorse, the people who care for them and the people of Canberra"
"Our Precinct Development will be world class and offer incredible amenity to our Clubs' patrons and new neighbours. Thoroughbred Training, Raceday and Entertainment facilities will be world class, environmentally friendly, safe and proudly represent our Nation's capital."
Mr. Pearce will commence in the role of CEO on the 5th of September.
Matthew Kolek will continue in the Acting CEO role until the 5th of September.
