Chief Executive Officer in Melbourne

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is the statutory body responsible for the governance, development and promotion of harness racing in Victoria. Following recent legislative change, HRV will transform from a statutory authority to a public company limited by guarantee. Operating within a complex sporting, wagering and regulatory environment, HRV plays a critical role in supporting a sustainable and successful industry while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, governance and participant confidence.

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership to HRV and the broader Victorian harness racing industry at an important point in its evolution. The CEO will lead the organisation's strategy and operations, with a strong focus on financial and commercial sustainability, industry development, organisational performance and transformation. They will work closely with the Board to navigate changing wagering and consumer dynamics, strengthen HRV's new operating model and ensure the organisation is positioned for long-term success.

Central to the role will be building confidence and alignment across a diverse stakeholder environment. The CEO will develop trusted relationships with government, industry participants, clubs, wagering partners, regulators and other racing codes, while providing visible and credible leadership to HRV's people. They will balance commercial imperatives with HRV's statutory responsibilities, integrity obligations and commitment to the health and sustainability of harness racing across Victoria.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished executive leader with experience leading a complex, stakeholder-intensive organisation through change. They will bring strong commercial and financial acumen, strategic capability and sound judgement, together with demonstrated experience engaging effectively with Boards, government and diverse stakeholder groups. Experience within racing, wagering, sport or another regulated or membership-based environment will be highly regarded, although HRV is equally interested in executives from other complex sectors who can bring relevant leadership capability and fresh thinking to navigate HRV as a successful public company.

This is a significant opportunity to lead an organisation and industry with a proud history, passionate participants and an important place within Victoria's racing and sporting landscape. The next CEO will have the opportunity to work with the Board and industry to shape HRV's next chapter and build a stronger, more sustainable future for Victorian harness racing.

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

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For any questions not outlined in the Success Profile and for a confidential discussion, please contact Paul Lefebvre on 0408 036 046 or Kate Chase on 0412 254 802. Applications close on Wednesday, 4th November 2026 at 5:00pm.