The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has recently announced the elevation of Moray Taylor-Smith, previously the Director of Security & Integrity, to the esteemed position of Executive Director, Security, Integrity, and Information Security. Set to commence from January 15, 2024, this strategic move solidifies Taylor-Smith’s pivotal role within the organization.
Role Overview:
In his new capacity, Taylor-Smith will assume a critical position as a member of the Board of Management, reporting directly to the HKJC’s CEO, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. His primary mandate revolves around ensuring a secure environment and upholding integrity within the Club’s operations. This includes robust measures against criminal activity, corruption risks, and safeguarding intangible assets such as the Club’s reputation, customer trust, and intellectual property.
Key Responsibilities:
Taylor-Smith will spearhead a multifaceted approach towards risk mitigation, encompassing a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing the newly established Information Security Risk and Assurance function, a strategic initiative aimed at fortifying the Club’s defenses against cyber threats. His remit covers the formulation and implementation of comprehensive strategies and policies, managing information security risks, conducting risk assessments, implementing mitigation strategies, monitoring risks, and orchestrating incident responses.
Taylor-Smith’s Background and Contributions:
Taylor-Smith’s journey with HKJC commenced in January 2020, where his leadership within the Security & Integrity department played a pivotal role in fortifying the Club’s security measures, notably during the challenging times posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His commendable efforts have contributed significantly to the Club’s resilience and operational continuity.
Industry Involvement and Expertise:
Beyond his role at HKJC, Taylor-Smith boasts a prominent presence in the industry, serving as the Co-Chair of the Hong Kong Chapter of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. Additionally, his extensive involvement as a longstanding member of the Asia Crisis and Security Group underscores his expertise in navigating complex security landscapes.
Financial Milestones:
The HKJC celebrated yet another remarkable achievement, reporting a record-breaking performance for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023. Notably, the total turnover surged by 5.1% year-on-year, reaching an impressive HK$304.8 billion (US$38.9 billion). This remarkable growth trajectory owes much to the amplified contributions from both football betting and the Mark Six Lottery.
Taylor-Smith’s ascent to the role of Executive Director heralds a pivotal juncture for HKJC’s commitment to fortifying security, upholding integrity, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of information security. His expertise, coupled with the Club’s record-breaking financial performance, sets an optimistic tone for the future, emphasizing resilience and forward-thinking strategies.