The start of the Spring Carnival Racing season will also mark a new beginning for TAB New Zealand as Dean McKenzie, Executive Chair, brings on a new executive leadership team.
The appointments of Jessica Meech – GM Corporate & Governance Services and Sam Moncur – GM Finance along with with existing executive Glen Saville – GM Customer and Betting who will hold the role until later this year and experienced industry executive Edward Rennell as GM Broadcasting and Operations until April 2021.
The new team formally take effect on 7 September 2020.
Both Jessica and Sam have been with the TAB for several years, most recently as General Counsel and Acting GM Finance respectively and have long standing personal involvement and commitments within the racing industry.
Dean McKenzie believes the new team balances the need to maintain operational continuity and industry credibility with introducing new leadership.
“Working with Glen, Edward, Jessica and Sam will help move the TAB to another level, with smart capable people focused on delivering world class betting and entertainment services. Having Glen and Edward provide us with critical stability heading into our busiest period provides the opportunity to conduct a national and international search to fill these important roles.”
Dean adds “In the immediate term, the organisation is focusing on financial sustainability and supporting staff as they respond to the challenges they and the business are facing as a result of the pandemic and economic uncertainty”.
Dean would also like to recognise the departing executives Stephen Henry, Gary Woodham and Andy Kydd and thank them for leading the organisation as it has transitioned from the New Zealand Racing Board, through the Racing Industry Transition Agency and into TAB NZ.
The Board will resume its search for a permanent Chief Executive shortly and look to fill the Customer & Betting and Broadcasting & Operations roles permanently in the new year.
About the TAB NZ Executive Leadership Team
Sam Moncur
Sam Moncur will take up the position of GM Finance for TAB NZ. Sam is a Chartered Accountant who joined the TAB Finance team in 2013 after several years working in both New Zealand and London. Having previously held both commercial and operational roles in the Finance and Broadcasting divisions, Sam was seconded into the GM Finance role in March 2020 before being confirmed this month.
Jessica Meech
Jessica Meech will take up the position of General Manager Corporate and Governance Services for TAB NZ. Jessica has been with the business for seven years, most recently as the TAB’s General Counsel, looking after legal and regulatory affairs. Prior to joining the TAB, Jessica was a Senior Solicitor at New Zealand law firm Chapman Tripp, acting for a range of commercial and public sector clients. Jessica has been a Committee Member of the Wellington Racing Club since 2014 and is a keen thoroughbred owner.
Glen Saville
Glen Saville will take up the position of GM Customer and Betting until later this year. He joined the TAB in 2014 to lead the Wagering arm and his responsibilities expanded to include the Product management function. Prior to the TAB, Glen was Head of Product with a corporate bookmaker in Australia and has 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry, working in product and project management roles, mainly in superannuation.
Edward Rennell
Edward is the current Chair of the TAB NZ Dates Committee and former long standing CEO at Harness Racing NZ. Since September 2019 he has been engaged to assist the TAB NZ Board (formerly RITA) with the industry reform programme. Edward has extensive knowledge of the industry at many levels, with involvement as a keen punter and owner in addition to his administration experience. He lives in Christchurch with his wife Janice and has three adult daughters.
