Australia’s largest betting agency, Tabcorp Holdings has announced changes to its executive leadership team as part of its strategic growth ambitions. Jarrod Villani has been appointed chief commercial and media officer, Narelle McKenzie has been named chief legal officer, and Robert Fraser promoted to chief technology and transformation officer.

Newly established role

Tabcorp has also established a new chief wagering officer role. This role will be focusing on functions like digital, retail, trading, marketing and product, including Tote innovation. A search for this role is ongoing and expected to be announced in the coming year.

The chief commercial and media officer role was created to deliver stronger commercial outcome and help maximise the value of company’s assets across medias and retail. In addition, the role will also overlook the Gaming Services business, Max. 

“The changes to our structure will increase our wagering capability and drive growth across both wagering and media,” said Tabcorp managing director and CEO elect Gillon McLachlan.

“It allows one executive to control the key wagering assets within our ecosystem. It’s a simpler model that brings our wagering team together to drive first class execution.“

Tabcorp’s new chief legal officer Narelle McKenzie joins Tabcorp after almost two decades at telecommunications company Telstra. McKenzie brings extensive legal experience advising highly regulated technology and telecommunications companies in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer Robert Fraser previously served as chief transformation officer. He led the design and execution of the company’s Genesis Program, among others.

The transformations include Chief Customer Officer Jenni Barnett and Chief Information Officer Alan Sharvin leaving Tabcorp.  

“You are seeing continued change,” continued McLachlan. “We will have an executive team with market leading experience in wagering and media. They will be responsible for driving our revenue and will have control of the assets that only Tabcorp has at its disposal in the Australian wagering market. 

“I wish to thank Alan Sharvin and Jenni Barnett for their significant contribution to the business since the demerger in 2022. They’ve played a pivotal role in improving the competitiveness of Tabcorp.“

Tabcorp’s troubles

Last month, Tabcorp’s troubles continued with another fine of A$262,920 ($171,647) for accepting in-play sports bets online, which is a breach of the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Earlier, Tabcorp was hit with a record $4.6 million fine after a Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) investigation found significant breaches of responsible gambling regulations. These violations occurred between August 2020 and February 2023, highlighting serious shortcomings in Tabcorp’s adherence to its betting licence and responsible gambling code.

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