Senior directors push for fresh blood on Victoria Racing Club board
Two senior Victoria Racing Club directors will support challengers to chairman Amanda Elliott and board stalwart Katherine Bourke, citing growing governance concerns.
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Two senior Victoria Racing Club directors will support challengers to chairman Amanda Elliott and board stalwart Katherine Bourke, citing growing governance concerns.
Urging greater transparency at board level and the need for “fresh blood”, vice-chairman John O’Rourke and Peter Fekete have endorsed Melissa Green and Dom Romanelli over Elliott and Bourke.
The pair will also support incumbent director Elisa Robinson at the elections, which close next month ahead of the December 18 annual general meeting.
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The Herald Sun understands some directors and members are alarmed at governance issues around a mooted succession plan which involves club chief executive Neil Wilson succeeding Elliott as chair.
Under the club’s constitution, Elliott is unable to nominate for the position of chairman after turning 68. Her 68th birthday is on Sunday.
It is believed the majority of club directors support plans for Elliott to stand down as chair in March, when she would be replaced by Wilson, and not next month after the elections.
Elliott, if returned, would remain on the board until 2022.
The Herald Sun understands Elliott and Bourke retain the support of existing directors Michael Ramsden, Sophie Cornell, Glenn Carmody and Neil Werrett.
O’Rourke, who had been viewed as Elliott’s successor, and Fekete, who will retire from the board in 2020, are concerned over the direction of the club.
“In this year’s election we will be supporting Melissa Green and Dom Romanelli to join incumbent director Elisa Robinson on the VRC board,” the pair said.
“We believe it’s time for some fresh blood and new thinking to help our board attain best practice in governance of a modern, membership-based sporting organisation.
“And provide the strategic oversight to help our executive team face the many challenges that racing clearly has before it over the next five years.”
O’Rourke and Fekete believe there is a danger of directors staying on the board for too long.
“Under our directors’ code of conduct, we each have an obligation to consider board renewal and the range of skills needed to continuously adapt to emerging trends,” they said.
“Importantly, we should be prepared to stand aside if necessary to promote that renewal.
“There is a guideline that suggests an appropriate board director tenure is 12 years.
“We acknowledge the contribution of Amanda and Katherine, and it is disappointing to feel compelled to break ranks with the majority view of the board by supporting change.
“We understand the consequences of doing so, but believe members are entitled to full transparency to make informed decisions at this year’s election.”
Elliott was appointed to the board in 2002 and became the club’s first female chair in 2017.
At the time, she signalled she would step down in 2018.
Great to see that @DomRom7 has nominated for the board of the VRC. Would be a phenomenally good appointment in my opinion. Proved highly effective when on the board of the MRC. Knows racing as an owner, punter, administrator.
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) November 26, 2019
“I have advised the board that it is my intention to oversee the delivery of key VRC initiatives, including the Club Stand and with that in mind, I have committed to complete my current term,” she said. “I will leave the club in good hands at the 2018 annual general meeting, after 16 years as a VRC director.”
Bourke joined the board in 2004.
O’Rourke and Fekete have backed Green and Romanelli on the basis of corporate governance.
“We believe it is in members’ best interests to take the opportunity of the skills that Melissa and Dom would bring to the board table — a strong appreciation of the governance role of the board,” they said.
“And a mix of commercial skills in critical areas for the future — digital media, sales and marketing, customer service, financial discipline, and a deep knowledge of the racing industry and the issues faced by many of its participants.”
Ballot papers were sent to members this week.