Peter Gleeson vacates role as dogs boss just six months after taking the role

Former media commentator Peter Gleeson has resigned from his role as CEO of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club (QGRC) just six months after taking the job.

Peter Gleeson.

Peter Gleeson’s whirlwind tenure as chief executive of the newly formed Queensland Greyhound Racing Club (GBGC) is over.

The prominent former media identity resigned from his post earlier this week, just six months after taking the reins of the amalgamated club, charged with the responsibility of running the $85m ‘The Q’ which is due to open in May.

Since Gleeson’s appointment last September, tensions have continued to escalate between factions from both the Brisbane GRC and Ipswich GRC, now operating under the one QGRC umbrella.

Those tensions reached boiling point last week when a petition was circulated in a bid to drum up support for an under-siege Gleeson as whispers grew that the club’s caretaker committee was maneuvering to replace him.

It’s understood some members of the committee, Eleanor Wallace, Wade Core and Merv Page, even signed the petition in support of Gleeson as the club’s long term CEO despite the backdoor rumblings.

The committee is currently operating under a three-person model as Racing Queensland (RQ) awaits regulatory approval for their four representatives to be appointed.

Peter Gleeson (left) at the presentation of the Queensland Derby at Albion Park last month

In announcing his departure, Gleeson said, “It has been an honour to lead this Club during such a transformational period in its history, with The Q just around the corner.

“I’d like to thank the staff at the Club who are working so hard at Albion Park and Ipswich while work at Yamanto continues.

“I’d particularly like to thank the industry participants, including the trainers, the lifeblood of the industry, who have been incredibly supportive of my time as CEO.

“I wish the Club every success going forward and can’t wait to see how Yamanto unfolds.”

Gleeson had organised newly elected Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to officially open The Q - the state-of-the-art three track facility - in May.

Whether Gleeson’s departure impacts those plans is unknown.

Following news of Gleeson’s resignation, leading trainer Tom Tzouvelis said it was a “significant loss for the industry”.

“It’s really disappointing news - a significant loss,” Tzouvelis said.

“In Peter we had someone that could help with government relations for the betterment of the industry.

“He exudes passion for the industry and was capable of promoting racing properly which will be hugely important ahead of the opening of The Q.

“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses but Peter brought a skillset we really needed. His departure is a big loss for the industry.”

It’s understood Racing Queensland representatives met with the club’s committee earlier this week to discuss a pathway forward following Gleeson’s departure.

Originally published as Peter Gleeson vacates role as dogs boss just six months after taking the role