Tabcorp appoints former Brett Chenoweth as its new Chairman

Australian gambling company Tabcorp has announced the appointment of Brett Chenoweth as its new Chairman, following Bruce Akhurst's decision to step down from the role. Chenoweth will officially take over as Chairman when Akhurst exits the role after the group’s 2024 annual general meeting (AGM) on October 23rd.

Chenoweth has been a Non-Executive Director of Tabcorp since 2022. He is currently serving as Chair of the Risk, Compliance, and Sustainability Committee. He has also served in a series of senior positions with various companies, including two years as CEO and Managing Director of Australian media group APN News and Media. He also spent time at Silverfern Group, Telecom Corporation of New Zealand, and Ecorp. 

He is also currently a director of hospitality group EVT Limited and holds other unlisted directorships including chairman of Canberra Data Centres and Retire Australia, as well as a director of software developer One New Zealand Group.

Commenting on his new role, Chenoweth said he is looking forward to continuing Tabcorp’s transformation. The company completed its demerger in 2022, splitting lottery operations from its wagering, media, and gaming services. 

“The work done over the last two years has been critical in building solid foundations and positioning us to capitalize when the market returns to growth,” Chenoweth said. “Further opportunity awaits and I’m looking forward to working closely with CEO elect Gill McLachlan and my board colleagues to unlock the shareholder value that we know lies within this company.”

Chenoweth praised the outgoing Chairman Akhurst, who will remain as a director performing additional executive responsibilities until the end of 2024. This includes assisting with the required regulatory approvals process for incoming CEO McLachlan. “I want to pay tribute to Bruce for his outstanding leadership during the demerger and creation of a new Tabcorp,” Chenoweth said.

Akhurst, in turn, welcomed Chenoweth: “I’m proud of our achievements since the demerger. We’ve moved quickly to transform the company. We’re a faster, more innovative, and more responsive organization today than we have ever been."

“I want to personally congratulate Brett on his appointment as chair. I will work closely with him to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months. Brett’s one of the great business minds I’ve worked with and I’m very pleased to be passing the chairmanship over to him.”