GWIC boss Steve Griffin offered the role to become new Greyhound Racing NSW CEO

Greyhound Racing NSW has revealed its prime target for its next CEO following the departure of Rob Macaulay in July last year.

Steve Griffin

Steve Griffin - current boss of the sport’s regulatory arm - has been offered the job to become the new chief executive officer of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).

Griffin, who has been CEO of the Greyhound, Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWC) since April 2021, is poised to make the move to GRNSW following the departure of former CEO Rob Macaulay in July last year.

Since Macaulay’s highly publicised exit, Deputy CEO Wayne Billett has been filling the role of Acting CEO, during what’s been a critical and challenging time for the organisation as it navigates the NSW Government commissioned Drake Inquiry.

In July last year, a mere few days after the departure of Macaulay as CEO, Racing Minister David Harris announced that he had appointed eminent investigator Lea Drake to head up an inquiry into the governance and operations of GRNSW.

In recent months there has been a number of staff departures from the commercial body as it moves to reinvent itself following a highly turbulent period.

The offer extended to Griffin to become the new boss of GRNSW comes as the inquiry reaches the pointy end with Ms Drake expected to hand down her final report to the Racing Minister in April.

Steve Griffin (left) has been offered the role to be the next CEO of GRNSW

Griffin’s pending appointment follows a five-month recruitment drive led by GRNSW chairman Adam Casselden who engaged former NSW Premier Morris Iemma to oversee the process.

It’s understood unsuccessful candidates were advised earlier this week.

The imminent departure of Griffin from GWIC isn’t the only soon to be void at the organisation with Chief Operating Officer Wade Birch resigning from his post earlier this week.

Following news of his resignation, GWIC Chief Commissioner Alby Taylor thanked Birch for his tireless efforts during his four-year tenure.

“Wade has developed the Commission’s integrity and compliance capabilities making it the most effective regulatory controlling body in Australia,” Taylor said.

“His hard work and commitment to GWIC and the industry has seen significant positive change and the industry owes Wade a debt of gratitude.

“On behalf of Commissioner Chris Wheeler, Steve Griffin and the leadership team we thank Wade for his strong leadership and commitment to our organisation over the past four years.

“We wish him every success as he moves into the next stage of his career.”

Originally published as GWIC boss Steve Griffin offered the role to become new Greyhound Racing NSW CEO