Racing Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter McGauran, has advised the Board he will not be seeking to renew his contract of employment on its expiration in December 2016.

McGauran has accepted another senior corporate position and will also assume a number of non-executive directorships precluded by his current position.

He has been the CEO of Racing Australia for more than four years, which has been a period of major reform and development at the national level.

As well as the merger of the Australian Racing Board, Racing Information Services Australia (RISA) and the Australian Stud Book into Racing Australia, Peter played an important role in introducing the most significant integrity and animal welfare reforms in modern racing history.

“The Board joins me in thanking Peter for his hard work and dedication and in wishing him well in the future.  Racing Australia Chairman John Messara said.  “I have worked closely with Peter and well know the commitment he brought to a difficult role.”

“The Board will consider a replacement process at its September board meeting.”

McGauran, 60, a former minister in the Howard Government, has a long standing involvement in the thoroughbred industry as a former stipendiary steward and amateur jockey in Victoria.