NZTR Change of leadership structure

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NZTR Announces Strategic Restructure and Leadership Changes

 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced a strategic restructure of its leadership team, following a comprehensive review of its management structure to better align with the strategic priorities for the 2025/26 season and beyond. Following this review, NZTR has disestablished the roles of Chief Operating Officer (Darin Balcombe), Chief Customer Officer (vacant), and Head of Marketing, Communications and Wagering Partnerships (Dan Smith). In their place, four new senior leadership roles have been created to reflect the evolving needs of the industry: ·         General Manager – Racing ·         General Manager – Welfare & Industry Capability ·         General Manager – Strategy & Transformation ·         General Manager – Brand Experience, Communications & Industry Promotion “These changes reflect feedback we have received from industry participants about the need to enhance our leadership capability and sharpen our focus on delivering better outcomes,” Ballesty said.” “Bold change is the theme of our strategic focus going forward and this restructure is a key part of enabling that.” Under the revised structure, NZTR is pleased to announce that Dan Smith, previously Head of Marketing, Communications and Wagering Partnerships, will move into the newly created position of General Manager – Strategy & Transformation, a role pivotal to driving implementation of the Strategic Plan with urgency, accountability, and focus. “Congratulations to Dan on this well-deserved appointment,” Ballesty said. “His leadership, industry insight and strategic experience make him the right person to lead this important area of work.” The organisation also acknowledged the longstanding contribution of Darin Balcombe, who will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer until October while remaining Acting CEO of HBRI. “NZTR is working closely with Darin to explore a future role that harnesses his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the racing industry,” said Ballesty. “I would like to acknowledge Darin’s significant contribution to NZTR as COO and we will continue to work with him through this transition.” The remaining General Manager roles will be advertised at careers.loveracing.nz and shared through wider industry channels in the coming days. “These changes are about building the right leadership framework to deliver on our ambitions,” Ballesty added. “With several exciting initiatives already underway, I am confident that with the right people in the right roles, we are well-positioned to deliver for our participants and the wider industry in the years ahead.” Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz