Racing SA chief executive officer Vaughn Lynch resigns, takes up Racing Victoria role

Racing SA chief executive officer Vaughn Lynch will return to Victoria early next year after two years at the helm.

Racing SA CEO Vaughn Lynch. Picture: Racing SA

Racing SA chief executive Vaughn Lynch has resigned after two years at the helm.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Racing SA announced Lynch’s departure, while also thanking him for his impact on South Australian racing.

Lynch will remain as Racing SA chief until February, 2025 before taking on a new role as the Chief Operating Officer for Racing Victoria.

“Racing SA wishes to advise that Vaughn Lynch has resigned from his position as CEO of Racing SA, having made the decision with his wife Anita to move back to Victoria,” the statement said.

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“Vaughn played a key role in helping the Board realise a number of important milestones including achieving an increase in the share of the Point of Consumption Tax returned to the industry to 20%, rolling out significant prizemoney and infrastructure funding increases, securing thoroughbred racing’s landmark seven-year sponsorship agreement with Sportsbet and negotiating a new media rights deal with Racing.com.

“While we are sorry to see him go, he leaves our industry in a very strong position and we wish him and Anita nothing but the best for their return to Victoria and the next chapter of Vaughn’s career.

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“The Racing SA Board will now commence the search for a new CEO to ensure the industry continues to build on its success.

“Vaughn will remain with Racing SA until the end of February 2025 to facilitate a seamless leadership transition.”

“Racing SA has benefited significantly from Vaughn’s commitment and dedication since joining our organisation in 2019 and the impact he has made on South Australian thoroughbred racing in his two years as CEO is evident.

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In a statement this morning, Racing Victoria announced the appointment of Lynch along with those of Peter Betson (executive general manager, stategy and corporate services) and Janelle Helleur (executive general manager, people and performance).

“The revamped role of Chief Operating Officer will oversee key functions including wagering and racing, whilst working closely with the Chief Executive. Lynch will commence in early 2025,” the Racing Victoria statement said.

Lynch joined Racing SA midway through 2019, with a background that had seen him hold senior positions at Harness Racing Victoria, while he had also served as chief executive of Tasracing.

He was first appointed as Racing SA’s general manager of racing, wagering and products, he then became chief operating officer in 2020.

Lynch stepped in to the role of chief executive in October 2022.

Originally published as Racing SA chief executive officer Vaughn Lynch resigns, takes up Racing Victoria role