The formal announcement follows the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.
Following McLachlan’s appointment, Bruce Akhurst has retired from the Tabcorp board and stepped down as executive director with immediate effect.
Akhurst, who had been filling the role on an interim basis, announced his intention to retire in September 2024, but continued to assist Tabcorp with the approvals process for McLachlan’s appointment.
Delayed process
Tabcorp initially announced that it planned to hire McLachlan, a former CEO of the Australian Football League, last June.
He was expected to assume his new position at Tabcorp last August before the process was delayed.
McLachlan succeeds Adam Rytenskild, who resigned last March after less than two years in the role following allegations of “inappropriate and offensive” language in the workplace.
New era
Brett Chenoweth, who replaced Akhurst as Tabcorp chairman following the company’s AGM in October, had previously served as the operator’s chair of the Risk, Compliance and Sustainability Committee.
Chenoweth authorized the latest release, confirming McLachlan’s arrival, to the Australian Securities Exchange.
The company completed its demerger in 2022, splitting its lottery operations from wagering, media and gaming services.
Transform the company
“I’m proud of our achievements since the demerger,” Akhurst said when McLachlan was initially announced as the prospective new CEO.
“We’ve moved quickly to transform the company. We’re a faster, more innovative and more responsive organization today than we have ever been.
“Gill needs no introduction. He is recognized as one of Australia’s leading CEOs and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future. We’ve laid strong foundations; Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of us.
“Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history. We’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”
‘Enormous opportunities’
Speaking last year about his upcoming appointment, McLachlan said: “Tabcorp is a wagering, broadcast and integrity services business and the challenges of growing it are appealing.
“There are enormous opportunities ahead and I’m looking forward to driving the sport category among other things.
“Tabcorp is part way through its transformation journey. I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team to accelerate and deliver on the growth opportunities.”
