Aaron Morrison appointed Racing Victoria’s new CEO
Former chief operating officer and chief financial officer confirmed as successor to Andrew Jones
Breeders, trainers and owners have welcomed the appointment of Aaron Morrison as Racing Victoria (RV) CEO, endorsing the choice of the long-term RV executive and expressing hope for a new era of greater collaboration between the body and stakeholders.
Morrison, RV’s former chief operating officer and chief financial officer, had been acting CEO since May following the sudden resignation of Andrew Jones after two contentious years in the position.
Jones left to a chorus of sharp criticism from various corners of the industry, with one widespread complaint pointing to a lack of consultation with race clubs, breeders, trainers, owners and other key industry parties.
But Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA), and the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA) on Tuesday hailed Morrison’s appointment, highlighting his track record for consultation and expressing confidence it would continue.
The fact Morrison has been with RV for seven years was also heartily welcomed, contrasting as it does the appointment of Jones after a background in cricket and netball administration.
“I’m happy for Aaron that he’s been appointed,” TBV president Peter Murray told ANZ. “In our dealings together he’s very collaborative, and likes to see the stakeholders forming good relationships, which we’re all starting to do.
“Already in the meetings I’ve had with Aaron, he’s definitely open minded, and I get the feeling he’s very collaborative. He’s measured in what he says, and I think he’s open to change as well.”
ATA president Robbie Griffiths said his body was “delighted” with Morrison’s appointment, adding he had “a wealth of knowledge working with RV for some time through all forms of economic changes” both before and after the Covid pandemic.
Asked if he hoped the appointment would usher an era of greater consultation, Griffiths said: “I would imagine that would be ‘yes’.”
He added he was greatly heartened by “just the fact he’s not new to racing”.
“He’s been in the racing industry at head office for some time, behind the other CEOs. He’s been there basically like an assistant coach all the way through,” Griffiths told ANZ.
“He knows what’s worked and what hasn’t worked, he knows what we need and he’s got a great relationship with the stakeholders.
“And it’s not as though he’s totally new to the industry. That’s where we’re really optimistic he would be very suited to the industry in this CEO role because of the history.
“If you liken it to AFL footy – if you’re there and growing with the club, when it’s your turn to take over the reins you normally do quite well.”
The sentiment was echoed by Murray, who said: “His knowledge of RV can only be beneficial, and we look forward to working with him.”
TROA chairman and major owner Jonathan Munz, a past vocal critic of Jones and the RV board, also applauded the move.
“We look forward to Aaron officially starting as the new CEO and are confident that he will move quickly to address the concerns of the industry participants,” Munz told ANZ via text message.
Murray added mere stability at RV would be welcome, with Morrison’s appointment coming two months after that of Tim Eddy as chairman.
Victoria’s governing body has endured a tumultuous couple of years concerning Jones’s tenure, unrest over the performance of the board, and uncertainty over the chairman’s position, with Mike Hirst needing two extensions of his interim term during a prolonged search for a permanent replacement for Brian Kruger, who resigned last year.
“Any sort of stability helps everyone get together, decisions can be made because that uncertainty is off the table, people can move ahead,” Murray said. “Everyone can be a bit more collaborative because they’ve got a clear path.”
Later on Tuesday, the ATA issued a statement welcoming Morrison’s appointment, saying:
“In his seven years at RVL, the ATA Committee has worked closely with Aaron on a range of projects and appreciates his deep understanding of the industry.
“Aaron was influential in assisting the ATA in launching the Workcover Support Services program, assisting licensed Victorian trainers better manage their employment injury risks, and associated Workcover insurance costs.
“Aaron has made it clear that he will put participants front of mind and we look forward to working with him and his team on future initiatives.”
Murray said horse welfare and wagering revenues in the face of likely curbs on bookmaker advertising were expected to be among the main issues Morrison would face.
“Welfare’s high up on the list of priorities, which is obviously what the breeders are conscious of, and keeping racing going in a fluid state,” Murray said.
“We see certain issues coming up with wagering, what might happen there and how that affects racing, because everything that affects racing affects the breeders.
“It all waits to be seen how it all pans out, but we understand everyone’s concerns in the broader spectrum of betting advertising. But we hope there’ll be a slight carve-out for racing, and that can help to keep the wheels turning.”
Griffiths concurred, saying racing had faced growing challenges regarding revenue post-Covid in a changing wagering landscape, which in turn impacts on issues such as maintaining prize–money and facilities.
“Racing was quite spoiled with wagering during Covid, as the only business open,” Griffiths told ANZ. “Now, we’re competing with so many other avenues, and that’s a challenge for every CEO in every state.
“From a stakeholder’s point of view, the ATA are very pleased that Aaron’s in the spot, because he’s seen all of that – pre-Covid, during Covid and post-Covid. We think he’s got the experience to do the things the racing industry needs.”
Morrison said he was “incredibly excited and honoured” to have gained the post, and thanked the RV board for their faith 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,” he said in a statement.
“As an owner of multiple horses and a keen punter, I have developed a great love for the sport, an admiration for its equine athletes and respect for those who work tirelessly to put on the show each day.
“Victorian racing is a leader, whether through the quality of our racing, the strength of our engagement and wagering, or the heritage of our clubs and events, and it’s from this strong base that we need to continue to evolve and improve.”
Morrison said he also recognised the challenges and the need for “necessary change” to ensure racing’s long-term success and sustainability.
“An immediate priority will be to review the structure, resources and operations of the Racing Victoria Group, including our media businesses, to drive greater alignment and ensure we’re leveraging our assets to maximum benefit,” he said.
“We need to ensure that we have the right structures and capabilities in place to achieve our goal of maximising returns to participants and those who invest in the sport, and this will also include a review of key roles across the group.
“Our future success also requires us to work better together as an industry, and I will seek to drive greater engagement and collaboration through new industry focused forums, to ensure that we leverage the collective experience and ideas from across our sport.
“With my detailed knowledge of Victorian racing and its ecosystem, I am in a fortunate position where I can hit the ground running and with another Spring Racing Carnival just around the corner it’s an exciting time for all.”
Eddy said RV’s board had considered “a field of local and international candidates” and was delighted to have chosen Morrison, who has also worked in the gaming, hospitality and entertainment sectors.
“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 said.
“He boasts an extensive corporate background and has a deep understanding of the economics of racing and wagering, the importance of stakeholder engagement, and a genuine passion for the sport.
“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.”