CLAIMS TO FAME
- Took helm of Australian wagering giant in 2024
- Former high-profile CEO of the Australian Football League
It came as no great surprise when Gillon McLachlan, the former CEO of the Australian Football League (AFL), was announced as the new Managing Director and CEO of racing and wagering giant Tabcorp in June.
McLachlan had been touted as a potential Tabcorp target even before predecessor Adam Rytenskild’s shock departure in March – the latter shown the door for the use of “inappropriate and offensive language” in the workplace.
In his time leading the AFL – arguably Australia’s most popular football code – the now 51-year-old played a key role in the sport’s unparalleled growth, which included business dealings with Tabcorp and the many corporate bookmakers nationwide.
Tabcorp chairman Bruce Akhurst explained upon McLachlan’s appointment that he “has a deep understanding of sport, racing and wagering, combined with significant commercial acumen which was highlighted in the substantial growth of AFL revenues under his leadership.”
That acumen will be key as he picks up the fight to reclaim some of Tabcorp’s lost market share in recent years – a result of the highly competitive sports betting landscape in Australia and the significant promotional spending of the corporates such as Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and Neds.
For the full list of 2024 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here
