Ben Amarfio quits: Exodus at Racing Victoria continues as top executive resigns

Racing Victoria’s executive general manager — customer, Ben Amarfio, who was previously the CEO of North Melbourne Football Club, has quit.

Ben Amarfio has quit his role at Racing Victoria.

The exodus of the top brass at Racing Victoria has continued.

RV’s executive general manager — customer, Ben Amarfio, who was previously the CEO of North Melbourne Football Club, has quit.

Racenet understands Amarfio emailed staff on Friday afternoon of his departure.

His resignation comes two weeks after CEO Andrew Jones resigned from his $800,000-a-year job following a tumultuous 21-month tenure.

Racing Victoria is also on the hunt for a new chairman, however, that role is expected to be filled by former AFL chief executive, Gillon McLachlan.

Amarfio, who previously worked with Jones during his time at Cricket Australia, was appointed to the role in March last year.

Ben Amarfio during his time at North Melbourne.

His role became almost untenable once Jones left given the two were linked to developing a series of controversial ideas, including live tactics to jockeys during a race.

As racing outsiders, Jones and Amarfio struggled to gain the confidence of participants, and both became frustrated about an unwillingness for radical change.

After Jones resigned, Victorian Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association chairman Jonathan Munz said: “Jones and his team were completely out of their depth”.

Racing Victoria’s executive general manager of racing, Matt Welsh, who was also appointed by Jones, remains in his role.

It is understood Welsh has no plans to leave his role, nor are there any plans to replace him.

Jones has already departed RV, and their chief operating officer Aaron Morrison is interim CEO.

At the time of Amarfio’s appointment, Jones said: “We’re delighted to welcome someone of Ben’s calibre to Racing Victoria. This is a great appointment for Victorian racing.”

“The fan is the most important person in any sport and we want to spend more time, effort and energy on understanding and building the fan base for Victorian racing,” he said.

“Ben brings unique insights into fans across Australia’s biggest sports and will work closely with our Clubs, media business and partners on driving an industry-wide fan strategy.”

Amarfio was CEO of North Melbourne between 2019 and 2022.

Originally published as Ben Amarfio quits: Exodus at Racing Victoria continues as top executive resigns