The Board of Racing Victoria (RV) has officially announced the appointment of Aaron Morrison as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Morrison, who has held the roles of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since joining RV in 2017, steps into the CEO position after serving as Interim CEO since May 2024. His appointment marks a significant milestone for RV as it navigates a transformative period in the Victorian racing industry.
A Proven Leader with Extensive Industry Experience
Aaron Morrison brings a wealth of experience to his new role, underpinned by a robust track record in leadership within the racing and entertainment sectors. Before his tenure at Racing Victoria, Morrison served as CEO of the Sand Hill Road Group, where he honed his executive management skills. His career also includes senior executive roles with Crown Resorts and SkyCity Entertainment Group, where he notably served as General Manager of Adelaide Casino.
During his time at Racing Victoria, Morrison has been instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and fostering strong relationships across the industry. His leadership extended beyond the organization itself, as he played an active role on several key industry boards, including media entities Racing.com and RSN 927. This involvement has equipped Morrison with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the racing sector, positioning him as a highly capable leader for RV’s future endeavors.
Leadership Stability and Strategic Continuity
The transition from interim to permanent CEO reflects the Board’s confidence in Morrison’s ability to steer Racing Victoria through a pivotal period in its history. Tim Eddy, Chairman of Racing Victoria, expressed his enthusiasm for Morrison’s appointment, citing his deep industry knowledge and relationship-building skills as key factors in the decision.
“During his time at RV, Aaron has established an intimate knowledge of the breadth and complexity of the industry and demonstrated an ability to build strong relationships with staff, stakeholders, and Government,” Eddy remarked. “Aaron has further demonstrated his capabilities throughout his period as Interim CEO, and we’re confident that we have a highly capable person to lead the industry through a key period in its future.”
This continuity in leadership is particularly crucial as RV embarks on several strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering its position in the competitive racing landscape. Under Morrison’s guidance, the organization is expected to maintain its focus on innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the overall racing experience for stakeholders and customers alike.
A Vision for the Future: Enhancing the Victorian Racing Experience
Upon his appointment, Aaron Morrison shared his excitement and commitment to leading Racing Victoria. “I’m incredibly excited and honored to be appointed CEO of Racing Victoria. I want to thank the Board, who have shown great faith in me, and our dedicated team and all our stakeholders for their trust and confidence. I look forward to working together with all to continue to grow Victorian racing,” Morrison stated.
Morrison’s vision for Racing Victoria aligns with the organization’s strategic goals of enhancing the racing experience through innovation and technological advancement. One of the latest developments in this area is RV’s collaboration with TripleSDate (TSD) and Total Performance Data (TPD). This partnership aims to integrate a cutting-edge live-odds engine, which will generate real-time, in-the-run odds by leveraging TSD’s Smart tracking system. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the way odds are tracked and presented, offering a more dynamic and engaging experience for racing enthusiasts.
Driving Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships
The integration of advanced data-driven technologies is a testament to Racing Victoria’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. Morrison’s leadership is expected to further propel these efforts, ensuring that RV not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its stakeholders in an increasingly digital and data-centric world.
By collaborating with TSD and TPD, Racing Victoria is setting a new standard for real-time data utilization within the racing industry. The live-odds engine, powered by sophisticated tracking technology, will provide instantaneous odds-tracking, enhancing the accuracy and responsiveness of the betting experience. This innovation is part of a broader strategy to make Victorian racing more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience, including both seasoned punters and new fans.
Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships and Industry Influence
A key component of Morrison’s leadership style is his focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders, including staff, racing clubs, government bodies, and industry partners. His tenure at RV has been marked by a collaborative approach, ensuring that the interests and concerns of all parties are considered in the organization’s decision-making processes.
This emphasis on stakeholder engagement will be critical as Racing Victoria navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Morrison’s ability to foster trust and cooperation among diverse groups will be essential in driving the organization’s strategic initiatives and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Victorian racing.
Aaron Morrison’s appointment as CEO of Racing Victoria marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organization. With a strong background in both the racing and entertainment industries, Morrison is well-equipped to lead RV through a period of significant change and growth. His commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement will be key drivers in shaping the future of Victorian racing.
As Racing Victoria continues to embrace technological advancements and enhance the racing experience, Morrison’s leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of the industry. The Board’s confidence in his abilities, coupled with his proven track record, suggests that Racing Victoria is in capable hands as it moves forward into this exciting new era.