Interim chief executive appointed for Melbourne Grand Prix

An interim Melbourne Grand Prix boss will take the wheel from long-time chief Andrew Westacott as a global hunt for a permanent replacement revs up.

Andrew Westacott’s term as Grand Prix chief executive is about to end. Picture: David Caird

An interim boss will be appointed in charge of the Melbourne Grand Prix as a global search continues for a new chief executive.

From July 1, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s legal and general counsel general manager Dale Nardella will take over the reigns from outgoing chief Andrew Westacott.

The Herald Sun can also reveal the corporation’s chief finance officer Anthony Connelly will be appointed acting deputy chief executive, until a full time replacement for Mr Westacott is found.

It comes as efforts to lock in a full-time replacement for the top job ramp up, with an appointment expected later this year.

Grand Prix chairman Paul Little said: “An extensive recruitment process for Andrew’s external replacement is well under way and is expected to be finalised by the AGPC Board, in consultation with government, in the coming weeks’’.

Grand Prix chairman Paul Little says an extensive recruitment process for Andrew’s external replacement is well under way. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Little said Mr Nardella and Mr Connelly would be responsible for operations of the F1 and Phillip Island Grands Prix until a full time chief executive was found.

“Dale and Anthony both bring extensive knowledge of the Corporation and its priorities over the coming months to their respective interim roles,’’ Mr Little said.

“Further updates regarding the recruitment outcome for the CEO position will be made in due course.’’

The race to replace Mr Westacott, who will step down at the end of this month after 12 years as chief executive, will heat up with a shortlist of candidates to be mulled over by the Grand Prix board and state government.

AFL executive Travis Auld and former F1 race director Michael Masi are believed to be candidates for a role paying more than $400,000 plus bonuses.

It is not believed Mr Nardella or Mr Connelly are being considered for the job full time.

VECCI chief executive Paul Guerra had previously been linked to the job but has since pulled out.

Lune croissant founder Kate Reid also put her hand up for the gig but revealed she had been unsuccessful at interview.

The Herald Sun last December revealed Mr Westacott would not seek a new contract when it expires on June 30.

He has worked for the Grand Prix Corporation for 17 years, overseeing several contract extensions for the F1 and Phillip Island MotoGPs including the current Albert Park deals.