New Melbourne Racing Club CEO Removed

In an announcement that would have come as a shock to the Australian thoroughbred industry, Melbourne Racing Club has parted ways with CEO Tom Reilly after a very short period in the role, with Chairman John Kanga confirming the move and a new management plan late Monday night. According to racing.com, Reilly, who began in December, will be replaced operationally by Tanya Fullarton, who steps in as Chief Operating Officer to work alongside Kanga during the transition. “Sometimes it just doesn’t work out,” said Kanga who became chairman of the MRC in October last year. “Tom was only CEO for three months and when things don’t go as well as they should, it is best to pivot and move on.” Kanga stressed that the club had acted quickly to ensure continuity and stability: “Everyone can be assured that we have put a management structure in place to ensure a smooth transition.” Kanga, who had also taken an active role in the club prior to Reilly’s appointment, indicated he would again be closely involved during this period. “I will spend substantial time at the Club as Chairman, as I did before Tom Reilly was appointed,” he said, adding that Fullarton’s appointment as COO was an important step forward. “I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Tanya Fullarton as Chief Operating Officer to work with me.” Fullarton arrives with a wealth of industry experience and a strong track record. “Tanya has an excellent reputation and deep experience and relationships across the racing industry,” Kanga noted. “She has in excess of 30 years commercial experience at a high level, with a skill set incorporating and including event management, business management, administration, marketing and sponsorship and has grown her management consultancy business over recent years to provide a series of important roles and services for corporate and racing clients.” No reason was put forward for the termination of Tom Reilly, whose role prior to taking on the senior executive position in Melbourne was as the well respected, long standing chief executive officer of Aushorse and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.