Chief Stipe Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 NZTR Chair Cameron George Resigns The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today regrettably announced the resignation of its Chair, Cameron George, effective 31 July 2024. Under his leadership, George, who has served as Chair since 2020, has played a pivotal role in steering NZTR and the racing industry through various challenges and sizeable achievements over recent years. “My decision to step down from my role on the Board hasn’t been an easy one,” George said. “My journey at NZTR started with navigating a path forward for the business through COVID-19. Over time, we have managed to rebuild the industry into the strong position it now holds, demonstrating the resilient team environment I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in over the last four years. “I’ve enjoyed all the challenges this role has presented me with. Going into it I knew I needed to both question and support initiatives brought to the table. “I now feel we have moved into a model of braver thinking and strategic planning, with innovation at the forefront of our activities. Globally, sports have undergone a significant shift from traditional approaches to embracing innovation and with that, we must not sit on our hands and continue to pursue becoming a vibrant sport within the entertainment sector,” he said. While reflecting on his tenure as Chair, George expresses his gratitude towards those who guided the industry towards a successful future. “I would firstly like to thank previous Chairs of NZTR, the likes of Guy Sargent, Matt Goodson, Alan Jackson and their Boards, who worked tirelessly to underpin the industry into the condition it is today.” “I thank NZTR’s Board and management team around me, both past and present, for their dedication to the cause of rebuilding this industry since the dark days of COVID, it truly has been a massive effort. “To the stakeholders and people of the industry, thank you for your strong support, being receptive to change, as well as being prepared to just give things a go. “Finally, so many parts of this industry’s administration deserve credit for helping us reshape and rebuild our future. On a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of TAB NZ, Entain Australia and New Zealand, our racing Clubs, New Zealand Bloodstock and the New Zealand Government for encouraging the movement of change towards a better future,” he said. George will remain in his role as Chair until 31 July of this year and is committed to maintaining a high standard for New Zealand’s racing landscape. “I look forward to finishing off my tenure with commitment and drive to complete several exciting initiatives we have in the pipeline. It’s all hands on deck as we get ready for the biggest summer of racing this country has ever seen next year,” George said. NZTR Members’ Council Chair, Jeff McCall, thanked George for his service to the industry. “Cameron’s passion and dedication to the New Zealand racing industry has been illustrated by the numerous positive actions he has undertaken since he has held the position as Chair.” “On behalf of the Members’ Council and the industry, we thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future,” McCall said. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson +64 21 071 2929 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Agent Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 Great news. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Agent Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 The Chief has beaten you to it. There are many applauding. Let's hope he doesn't pop up somewhere else in the racing industry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honestjohn Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 Won't be missed. Now if we could get rid of hrnz. Then Rennell. Hj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assange Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 23 hours ago, Special Agent said: The Chief has beaten you to it. There are many applauding. Let's hope he doesn't pop up somewhere else in the racing industry. So long Mr Double Dipper. With job at the Wahs makes you wonder how much he actually did on the board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Agent Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 Exactly. And whatever he did that we were made aware of he seemed to be a male equivalent of Margaret Thatcher, ruling with an iron fist. He was arrogant and non-listening. It does appear some of this has rubbed off onto Bruce Sharrock. I sure hope some common sense comes into play at some stage before it is too late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 Key points of failure during his tenure Retained almost all of previous chairs executive Did not improve calendar/pattern Track situation worsened Single National System $4million + abandoned Key points of success??? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murray Fish Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 On 9/03/2024 at 11:01 AM, Wingman said: Key points of success??? Brought some of that mongrel tough ozzie ness to the table... acting as a bit of a blunt force person Out front! 'owned' a near champion race horse... otherwise, par for the course, took the money (and keen to take others as well) and ran.... ps. Never meet him so am lacking that insight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 1 hour ago, Murray Fish said: Brought some of that mongrel tough ozzie ness to the table... Like underarm bowling you mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAB For Ever Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Like many I too was surprised when Cameron George was thrust into TWO very difficult roles that had a history of mistakes , turmoil and under-performing ! Particularly when he was often out of the country trying to assist the Warriors thru Covid etc. Most predicted he had little chance of success. Well last year the Warriors lifted both their performance and profile considerably. While NZTR now has 'new' hope for the immediate future at least .......the crucial participants in Industry ,the Owners and punters seem to be giving others a quite positive feeling. Obviously one man can't take all the credit or blame for the work/direction of the Board but I think CG has stepped up and kept things afloat , so credit where credit is due ! Don't know him personally but watched his efforts as a Stipe and his progress since. Saw him at Ellerslie yesterday and said to hi.....Great work with the Warriors [ sadly they had lost !] and thanks for your work with Racing ! About then someone walked past with Legarto's oversize cheque for $500 k. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 It is not about the chance of success, it is simply what what was done ( I say, very little) and what was achieved. Again I go back to our track debacle (read plural) and white elephants such as Single National System. In true private enterprise he would have gone years ago because the 'shareholders' would not have accepted the lack of positive progress. NZTR are trying to look progressive on the coat tails of Entain which is a totally separate entity 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 So Cameron George kicks off an IT project which is very quickly in trouble and hires a CEO that openly says he knows very little about IT. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzza Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 3 hours ago, Wingman said: It is not about the chance of success, it is simply what what was done ( I say, very little) and what was achieved. Again I go back to our track debacle (read plural) and white elephants such as Single National System. In true private enterprise he would have gone years ago because the 'shareholders' would not have accepted the lack of positive progress. NZTR are trying to look progressive on the coat tails of Entain which is a totally separate entity You got it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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