Perth Racing has appointed one of Australia's leading racing and breeding identities, Professor John Yovich AM, as its Managing Director.
Prof Yovich joins Perth Racing from Racing and Wagering Western Australia, where he had been its General Manager Racing for 12 months and an independent director since 2013. As the head of RWWA's Racing Division he was responsible for all racing operations in WA, including the industry's strategic direction throughout the state. A specialist veterinarian, he served as Murdoch University's President and Vice Chancellor for 10 years before joining RWWA.
Neil Pinner, Chairman of Perth Racing, said the club was delighted to have secured a candidate of the calibre and experience of Prof Yovich to take on such a crucial leadership role at such an important time.
"As a lifelong member of the racing and breeding industry, with a genuine passion for the sport, the combination of skills, experience and knowledge John brings to Perth Racing is truly unique," said Mr Pinner.
"Our vision is to be the leading racing club and premier events host in WA and we've been working hard to develop a strong strategic plan to ensure we continue to move along that path in the coming years.
"John is the right person to build on the strong platform we've developed as a result of the transformation driven by our interim Chief Executive Officer, Julian Sullivan."
Prof Yovich will work alongside Mr Sullivan, who has agreed to extend his contract to March 2017 to not only progress Perth Racing's strategic plan and oversee the Ascot Racing Carnival but also facilitate a smooth transition.
Mr Pinner said Mr Sullivan, who joined Perth Racing as its interim Chief Executive Officer in November 2015, has made a remarkable contribution to WA racing in a short period of time. Mr Sullivan's key achievements include initiating and producing Perth Racing's strategic plan and undertaking a multi-million-dollar media rights negotiation, in addition to increasing membership and attendance.
"We're incredibly grateful to Julian for his leadership, guidance and drive since his arrival - it's our loss his family commitments meant his role with Perth Racing was only ever going to be an interim one," said Mr Pinner.
"We're very appreciative he's agreed to extend his contract and we'll be sorry to see him return to Victoria next year."