Steve Griffin moves from regulatory arm to take up new role as Greyhound Racing NSW boss

Current GWIC boss Steve Griffin will depart the regulatory body to take up the role as the new boss of Greyhound Racing NSW.

Steve Griffin Picture: Supplied

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has officially secured its new top dog with Steve Griffin to take the reins of the sport’s commercial body from March 3.

As revealed last week by The Daily Telegraph, Griffin assumes the role as Chief Executive Officer following four years at the helm of the Greyhound, Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC), the regulatory arm of the industry.

Before his tenure at GWIC, Griffin, who earlier in his career spent 13 years as a Detective Senior Sergeant with NSW Police, held a number of senior roles with Service NSW, the NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, NSW Fair Trading and the Office of the Inspector-General.

READ: Greyhound Racing NSW hone in on new top dog

Griffin’s appointment follows the departure of former CEO Rob Macaulay who resigned from his post in July last year during what was a turbulent time for the organisation.

In the days following Macaulay’s brisk departure, Racing Minister David Harris launched the Drake Inquiry into the operations and governance of GRNSW, with that report to be finalised in April.

In announcing the appointment of Griffin, GRNSW Chairman Adam Casselden said he “would provide a clear strategic direction for the industry” to ensure it “continues on its path of modernisation and growth”.

Greyhound Racing NSW chairman Adam Casselden. Picture: Supplied

“Mr Griffin was the outstanding candidate from a strong pool of contenders, and he has the experience, animal welfare oversight and understanding of the greyhound racing industry to ensure its long-term viability and growth,” Casselden said.

“His appointment balances the needs and aspirations of industry participants with community expectations around animal welfare.”

Casselden said it was important for GRNSW “to have a permanent CEO in place to ensure GRNSW can immediately consider and implement the findings of the Drake Inquiry which is due in April.”

Since The Daily Telegraph exclusively revealed the imminent appointment of Griffin, sections of government have spoken out in opposition of the move, citing potential “conflicts of interest”.

Last week, Liberal MP John Ruddick issued a press release, saying “serious concerns” had been raised with him “about potential conflicts of interest” in the hiring process.

“This potential appointment and the implications it may have for the integrity of both organisations should be cautiously and responsibly examined,” he said.

But those concerns have been rebuffed by GRNSW with “Mr Griffin’s appointment following a rigorous independent selection process, chaired by former NSW Premier Morris Iemma”.

A spokesperson said “an external recruitment agency was also selected to identify high quality candidates, from whom a short-list was selected late last year, that ultimately led to Mr Griffin being identified as the preferred candidate.”

It’s understood Griffin’s appointment was then unanimously recommended by the four member selection panel.

Speaking for the first time since accepting the role, Griffin said he was looking forward to beginning his new chapter to deliver a “thriving, inclusive, transparent and sustainable” greyhound industry in NSW.

New Greyhound Racing NSW boss Steve Griffin (left)

“The past six years as CEO of GWIC has taught me a lot about the industry and has given me a deep appreciation for its hardworking and devoted participants,” Griffin said.

“We certainly have challenges ahead, but so too do we have opportunities. Opportunities for growth in our regions and cities, in race numbers and participants, in volunteers and trainers.”

In acknowledging Griffin’s departure, GWIC Chief Commissioner Alby Taylor thanked the outgoing CEO for his service.

“Steve Griffin has advised GWIC that he has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer for Greyhound Racing NSW,” Taylor said.

“His last day with the Commission will be 28 February 2025.

“Steve has helped shape GWIC into the most respected and effective racing regulatory body in the nation during his time as CEO.

“Myself, Commissioner Chris Wheeler and the leadership team at the Commission thank Steve for his unwavering dedication and commitment to making GWIC the gold standard for regulation in the industry.

“We wish Steve all the best in his new role.”

Originally published as Steve Griffin moves from regulatory arm to take up new role as Greyhound Racing NSW boss