Chief Stipe Posted yesterday at 01:30 AM Share Posted yesterday at 01:30 AM Key executives announce departure from Entain www.racenet.com.au Two key personnel of Entain Australia/New Zealand are poised to leave the wagering giant to pursue other opportunities. On Thursday, Entain Australia boss Dean Shannon revealed Chief Financial Officer Lachlan Fitt and Managing Director of the New Zealand arm Cameron Rodger will depart the organisation on March 8. "We are sad to say goodbye to two members of our Executive team who have provided many years of fantastic service and friendship," Shannon said. "But at the same time we are very happy for them both as they embark on their next adventure." In announcing his departure, Lachlan Fitt, who has spent more than a decade in the international wagering sphere, said the time was right to move on to his next chapter. "I am grateful to Entain for backing me, and particularly for the recent opportunity to work on starting the revitalisation of the New Zealand racing industry," Fitt said. "I am proud of the transformation of Entain's wagering and media business in New Zealand – there is still more to do, but it is in great shape. "I hope to shortly be announcing what I will be doing next – there are a number of opportunities that combine my passion for racing and bloodstock, and the global opportunity both present." News of the departure of Fitt and Rodger follows the recent announcement that Andy Hoad, General Manager of Group Content & Broadcast, would be joining Racing Victoria as its new Executive General Manager of Media, Content and Marketing. Entain Australia also recently announced it was winding down its Ladbrokes Racing Club (LRC) initiative due to "increasing product fees and taxes in Australia along with the rising cost of racing which has forced tough decisions to be made regarding these extra initiatives." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted yesterday at 01:33 AM Author Share Posted yesterday at 01:33 AM Entain NZ leaders resign, vow to stay in racing industry By Michael Guerin NZ Herald· 20 Feb, 2025 12:35 PM4 mins to read 35 mins if you are Scooby. Two of the biggest names in the New Zealand racing and wagering industry have resigned from their roles at Entain, the company which runs the TAB — but insist they are staying in the industry. Lachlan Fitt, the deputy chief executive and chief financial officer at Entain Australia, and Cameron Rodger, managing director of Entain NZ, told staff today they will be leaving the company. The pair have been two of the main drivers of enormous change since Entain took over the operational running of the New Zealand TAB on June 1, 2023 as part of a 25-year agreement between the two companies. While Fitt is Australian-based he has spent a lot of time in New Zealand working with the codes on boosting New Zealand racing through stake increases and developing the racing calendar and has been one of the clear leaders in the time of huge growth. Rodger is a rare fairytale story in the competitive world of gambling, rising from selling bets as a TAB operator in Auckland to the top New Zealand job at the company as Entain and TAB integrated. New Zealand racing has enjoyed enormous growth since Entain took over the TAB business and both Fitt and Rodger are viewed as having had major roles in that development. Entain Australia boss Dean Shannon confirmed the departures to the Herald and says while disappointed to see Fitt and Rodger go he supports their desire to work more in the racing and breeding side of the racing business. Fitt says the time was right for him to explore that passion. “After a decade as an international wagering executive, now is the right time to move on to my next chapter,” he told the Herald. “While I am resigning from Entain, I am not resigning from New Zealand. “Racing in New Zealand still has a tremendous amount of opportunity and it is critical that the industry focus on improving its efficiency in order to achieve sustainable long-term funding. “I hope to shortly announce what I will do next, there are a number of opportunities that combine my passion for racing and bloodstock and the global opportunities both present.” Both Fitt and Rodger have developed close ties inside the thoroughbred industry and in particular its breeding sector. Rodger says after almost two years helping oversee the integration of the two companies and the modernisation of the TAB, he wants to move more toward the horse side of the business. “After more than a decade in the wagering industry and two incredible years leading Entain NZ, the time feels right to turn the page and take on a new challenge,” says Rodger. “The progress made in modernising the New Zealand wagering landscape has been extraordinary and I leave knowing the business is in great shape. “While my time in wagering is coming to an end by commitment to NZ racing remains. “There are still big challenges ahead in the industry and I want to play a role in ensuring it thrives for the long term.” Entain, and the TAB, have become key sponsors of New Zealand races and supported bonus schemes to drive participation in ownership of racehorses. Shannon says Entain and the TAB’s commitment to and involvement in the racing industry will not be affected by today’s resignations. Deputy chief financial officer Sam Moncur will be promoted to take over Rodger’s role as managing director of Entain NZ in a popular appointment with Moncur respected in both the wagering and horse racing industries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted yesterday at 01:35 AM Share Posted yesterday at 01:35 AM Maybe they are just a bunch of wankers to work for, I still find it strange no one commentating the dogs has said anything about greyhounds ending, I bet they have been muzzled, probably same for presenters who no longer give the place odds before a race. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted yesterday at 01:39 AM Share Posted yesterday at 01:39 AM Don't know what to think. Timing seems odd however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Centaur Posted yesterday at 01:53 AM Share Posted yesterday at 01:53 AM 2 minutes ago, Freda said: Don't know what to think. Timing seems odd however. As a participant you should be in a state of shock. The fantasy ride NZ racing has been in recently is over before it has really started. The sums just don't make sense. The NZ Herald article is one of the worst cases of journalism breach of professional ethics. There is no mention in the article or the short bio of Guerin that he is heavily involved in the pay of Entain/NZTAB thus producing a massive conflict of interest. Notice how there is no denial that this has been a forced sacking. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted yesterday at 02:20 AM Share Posted yesterday at 02:20 AM The only thing missing are pirates patches as they walk the plank. The other thing missing is quarterly results. Only they know what was forecasted for this season and what is actual but from Entain's perspective it is probably horribly in the red. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLB2.0 Posted yesterday at 02:36 AM Share Posted yesterday at 02:36 AM What are they running from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted yesterday at 02:49 AM Share Posted yesterday at 02:49 AM 12 minutes ago, SLB2.0 said: What are they running from? Are they running or being run? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted yesterday at 03:16 AM Share Posted yesterday at 03:16 AM (edited) "New Zealand racing has enjoyed enormous growth since Entain took over the TAB business" I wonder where Guerin thinks that has occurred? Yearling sale prices? Foal crops? Number of starters? Number of codes still racing? Competition for punters? Programming? Pattern race status? I wonder where you get whatever he is on? Edited yesterday at 03:16 AM by curious 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLB2.0 Posted yesterday at 03:18 AM Share Posted yesterday at 03:18 AM I think he equates growth to prizemoney increases, which he shouldn't... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted yesterday at 03:25 AM Share Posted yesterday at 03:25 AM 5 minutes ago, SLB2.0 said: I think he equates growth to prizemoney increases, which he shouldn't... But there are probably none imminent or forecast for the next 3 years, and probably the opposite after that as far as I can see. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trojan Posted yesterday at 03:48 AM Share Posted yesterday at 03:48 AM 58 minutes ago, curious said: Are they running or being run? Both. Having seen who they associate with. Reminds me of a brat pack. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Centaur Posted yesterday at 04:09 AM Share Posted yesterday at 04:09 AM I think the conclusion of the round of yearling sales has something to do with the timing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted yesterday at 04:17 AM Author Share Posted yesterday at 04:17 AM 7 minutes ago, The Centaur said: I think the conclusion of the round of yearling sales has something to do with the timing. In what way? Have they hooked into Go Racing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted yesterday at 05:47 AM Share Posted yesterday at 05:47 AM 3 hours ago, The Centaur said: As a participant you should be in a state of shock. The fantasy ride NZ racing has been in recently is over before it has really started. The sums just don't make sense. The NZ Herald article is one of the worst cases of journalism breach of professional ethics. There is no mention in the article or the short bio of Guerin that he is heavily involved in the pay of Entain/NZTAB thus producing a massive conflict of interest. Notice how there is no denial that this has been a forced sacking. State of shock? No. The five years of excess funding is finite, it always has been, and any increase in revenue and participation has to be driven by other improvements apart from stake money and novelty races. As there has been no evidence of the latter, there is little reason for a state of shock. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huey Posted yesterday at 07:29 AM Share Posted yesterday at 07:29 AM They gave me no impression any of them knew what they were doing , Flash Harry versions of our past excessive attitude but with more money to throw around. The silence on wagering is oh so telling. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doomed Posted yesterday at 07:50 AM Share Posted yesterday at 07:50 AM 1 hour ago, Freda said: State of shock? No. The five years of excess funding is finite, it always has been, and any increase in revenue and participation has to be driven by other improvements apart from stake money and novelty races. As there has been no evidence of the latter, there is little reason for a state of shock. We have seen it all before. Auckland RCs couple of $1m races in the early 90s. Winston and Helen's 15 $1m+ races in the 2000's. It has never ended well. This time will be no different. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted yesterday at 07:59 AM Author Share Posted yesterday at 07:59 AM 29 minutes ago, Huey said: They gave me no impression any of them knew what they were doing , Flash Harry versions of our past excessive attitude but with more money to throw around. The silence on wagering is oh so telling. Interesting though that HRNZ still publish the turnover and GBR. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huey Posted yesterday at 08:14 AM Share Posted yesterday at 08:14 AM 14 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Interesting though that HRNZ still publish the turnover and GBR. Are they talking up the harness wagering? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted yesterday at 08:22 AM Share Posted yesterday at 08:22 AM Turnover should not be a secret. The figures have to be miserable to have the top two unceremoniously shown the door two weeks before this season's 'grand final'. I do think they have totally misread our market and the following is my opinion only; was the surge in turnover during covid seen as the norm as opposed to an isolated spike. Due diligence was perhaps not as thorough as it should have been. Advantage NZ racing as we have not completed year two of five guaranteed years. That does not mean Entain cannot pull the plug, cut losses and we get to say "thanks for your contributions". I also think they are European centric in their presentation. The focus over there is the race coming up, then the next etc. They do not care about giving clear and detailed information meaning the NZ punter now has to always be searching for place prices, tote pools, carry overs on exotics etc. That leads to discouragement, not encouragement to bet 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted 19 hours ago Share Posted 19 hours ago Was there a 'surge in turnover ' though, during Covid? We were all treated to the boo-hoo crap about how Covid was at fault for the appalling balance sheets when revenue should have been pretty positive; zero costs and tbe excellent Australian product to still watch and bet on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assange Posted 16 hours ago Share Posted 16 hours ago 16 hours ago, curious said: "New Zealand racing has enjoyed enormous growth since Entain took over the TAB business" I wonder where Guerin thinks that has occurred? Yearling sale prices? Foal crops? Number of starters? Number of codes still racing? Competition for punters? Programming? Pattern race status? I wonder where you get whatever he is on? Article does not show the fact that Entain is being investigated in Australia for money laundering charges. Read the Aussie papers. Different angle on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted 15 hours ago Author Share Posted 15 hours ago 54 minutes ago, Assange said: Article does not show the fact that Entain is being investigated in Australia for money laundering charges. Read the Aussie papers. Different angle on this. You assessment of the potential liability is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newmarket Posted 15 hours ago Share Posted 15 hours ago I can just see Kieran McAnulty hiding behind a tree…. Had other Australian operators for the TAB to team up with, yet this clown went with Entain which already had a chequered past… 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodie Posted 13 hours ago Share Posted 13 hours ago 1 hour ago, Newmarket said: I can just see Kieran McAnulty hiding behind a tree…. Had other Australian operators for the TAB to team up with, yet this clown went with Entain which already had Do you really believe that he gives a damn about racing? Entain doesnt care about racing either it is not what they wanted. He and his mates did so much damage to NZ and its economy he wouldnt be too worried. Thing is he thinks they deserve another go? FFS. Set the country back decades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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