Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov confirmed today that he has accepted a position as CEO with National Rugby League club the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
Mr Mestrov – who joined GRNSW in 2017 – said it had been “an honour and privilege” to be associated with the greyhound industry and its participants and stakeholders.
He added that he had been particularly proud to have been a part of the turnaround for an industry that was placed under a huge social spotlight in 2015-16.
“The industry is nothing near what it looked like five or six years ago. It has been a satisfying experience to have been a part of, both professionally and personally,” Mr Mestrov said.
“It was never going to be an easy decision to leave a job that I have enjoyed on every level, from the people in the industry to those many stakeholders who have had a genuine commitment to re-establish the industry under a new operating licence.
“There are not many jobs I would have considered leaving for, but the opportunity to be the CEO at Manly, a club that I played for and have had a lot to do with across the years, became an offer I couldn’t refuse. But I will be leaving with mixed emotions.
“I will however be leaving knowing that the industry is in tremendous shape – in fact it has never been in better shape across so many platforms – and I depart knowing that the team I have put in place at GRNSW will continue with the magnificent job they have done over the past few years to make Greyhound Racing NSW the envy of all other jurisdictions in the country.
“I particularly want to thank all participants for the way they have embraced everything I have undertaken here at GRNSW. Change is never easy but the participants have given me and my team unwavering support, and they deserve all the fruits of a successful industry.”
GRNSW Chairman John Williams offered his congratulations to the outgoing CEO.
“We must first congratulate Tony, he has been an outstanding CEO of GRNSW and a true leader of the broader greyhound industry in all aspects – from racing to re-homing and all the related integrity and welfare components in between,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams said the GRNSW board has commenced a recruitment process to find a new CEO and that Mr Mestrov would remain at the helm in the short term to assist with hand-over preparations.
Mr Williams said Mr Mestrov had led the organisation through an incredible period of change and built a foundation of success.
“He deserves all the accolades and praise for what he has achieved at GRNSW,” Mr Williams said. “Record re-homing of greyhounds and welfare improvements have been enabled by Tony and his hard-working team, delivering revenue growth within the industry that has at the same time ensured security for participants with prizemoney paid out almost doubling during Tony’s tenure.
“Track investments have never been higher, injury rates have never been lower, breeding numbers are at the most sustainable levels on record.”
