Hong Kong Jockey Club executive Michael Fitzsimons to take control of Tabcorp’s wagering arm
Tabcorp boss Gillon McLachlan has continued his shake up of the business by announcing a Hong Kong Racing Club executive as the its new Chief Wagering Officer.
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The transformation of the Tabcorp leadership structure has continued with the appointment of prominent Hong Kong Racing Club executive Michael Fitzsimons as the organisation’s new chief wagering officer.
With more than 20 years experience across all facets of global sports betting, Fitzsimons, currently the executive director of wagering at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, will oversee all core wagering functions at Tabcorp, including digital, retail, tote, trading, product and marketing.
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In announcing the appointment on Thursday, Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan declared Fitzsimons as “one of the world’s most sought after wagering executives”.
“Michael Fitzsimons brings extensive global sports betting experience to Tabcorp,” McLachlan said.
“He has a deep knowledge of international sports betting, trading and tote.
“Michael is a rare find – he knows digital and retail wagering and is one of the few people in the world who can connect both to grow a wagering product.”
In recent weeks, the racing world has been abuzz about potential candidates for the coveted role, with a select number of notable names on a domestic front understood to have been canvassed about the position.
The appointment of Fitzsimons is another significant step forward for the McLachlan led Tabcorp as it moves to reposition itself in the wagering market.
In October, speaking to shareholders at the annual general meeting, McLachlan flagged his intent for further change to the business.
“You will see continued change in the business - the people will change as the plan evolves,” he said at the time.
“I’ve got a laser focus on people, capability and execution.
“A key focus will be bringing in additional wagering capability and experience at senior leadership levels. Wagering is the foundation of our company.”
McLachlan said the creation of a chief wagering officer “is a significant uplift in wagering capability within our executive team”.
The appointment of Fitzsimons comes less than a fortnight after former Paramount executive Jarrod Villani was revealed as Tabcorp’s new chief commercial and media officer.
Originally published as Hong Kong Jockey Club executive Michael Fitzsimons to take control of Tabcorp’s wagering arm