Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) today announced the appointment of Steve Griffin as its new CEO, effective 3 March.
Mr Griffin has had a distinguished 20 year career as a senior NSW public servant, most recently serving as CEO of the NSW Greyhound Racing & Integrity Commission (GWIC),
He has previously held senior roles with Service NSW, the NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, NSW Fair Trading and the Office of the Inspector-General.
Early in his career, he spent 13 years as a Detective Senior Sergeant with the NSW Police Force, with postings to the Drug Enforcement Agency, Organised Crime Unit and Internal Affairs.
His appointment follows the resignation of previous CEO, Rob Macaulay, in July last year, with Deputy CEO Wayne Billett serving as Acting CEO since then.
GRNSW Chair, Adam Casselden, said Mr Griffin would provide a clear strategic direction for the industry as it continued on its path of modernisation and growth.
"Mr Griffin was the outstanding candidate from a strong pool of contenders, and he has the experience, animal welfare oversight and understanding of the greyhound racing industry to ensure its long-term viability and growth," he said.
"His appointment balances the needs and aspirations of industry participants with community expectations around animal welfare.
"Having a permanent CEO in place also ensures GRNSW can immediately consider, and implement, the findings of the Drake Inquiry into the operations of the greyhound racing industry, which is due to report in April this year."
Mr Griffin's appointment followed a rigorous independent selection process, chaired by former NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
An external recruitment agency was also selected to identify high quality candidates, from whom a short-list was selected late last year, that ultimately led to Mr Griffin being identified as the preferred candidate.
His appointment was unanimously recommended by the four member selection panel and subsequently unanimously endorsed by the Board.
From a probity point of view, and to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest, Mr Griffin voluntarily stood down from his role with GWIC while the GRNSW Board considered his candidacy.
He joins GRNSW at a time when the industry is strong. Latest figures show that greyhound racing generates more than $800 million in economic activity every year, supporting 4,500 jobs, almost half of whom are in rural and regional areas[1].
It has 26 racing clubs. Every year, it holds more than 1,200 race meetings, hosts 13,500 races, attracts almost 170,000 spectators and pays out more than $50 million in prizemoney[2].
Mr Griffin said he was delighted to be joining GRNSW as its new CEO.
"The past six years as CEO of GWIC has taught me a lot about the industry and has given me a deep appreciation for its hardworking and devoted participants," he said.
"We certainly have challenges ahead, but so too do we have opportunities. Opportunities for growth in our regions and cities, in race numbers and participants, in volunteers and trainers.
"I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team at GRNSW, together with our stakeholders and participants to deliver a thriving, inclusive, transparent and sustainable greyhound racing industry in NSW."
[1] Size and Scope of Greyhound Racing in Australasia – An economic and social impact assessment – page 46
[2] Size and Scope of Greyhound Racing in Australasia – An economic and social impact assessment – page 46
