RWWA Announces Resignation of CEO
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today announces the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Richard Burt after 13 years of service to the Western Australian racing industry.
During his time at RWWA, Mr Burt has developed and delivered successful strategies to maintain market share and drive the competitiveness of the WA TAB, maximising betting revenue and returns to the WA racing industry.
His commitment to the State’s racing industry has resulted in the delivery of record distribution levels, with RWWA providing $159M in funding during FY2019, representing a $1.8M increase from the previous year.
Mr Burt has also been responsible for driving significant improvements within the business as well as the wider racing industry. This includes enhancements to the WA TAB product, the establishment and implementation of comprehensive animal welfare strategies, and investment in numerous infrastructure projects across WA race clubs.
Following the introduction of the State Government’s Point of Consumption Tax in 2019, Mr Burt also successfully negotiated that 30% of the new tax be granted to the WA racing industry to assist with its ongoing development, a significant achievement for the industry.
RWWA Chairman Jeff Ovens has paid tribute to Mr Burt following the announcement of his resignation.
“Mr Burt has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to RWWA, being an integral part of the organisation for 13 out of its 17 years of service to the WA racing industry,” Mr Ovens said.
“He has successfully guided RWWA and the wider racing industry through some of the most challenging and uncertain times we have faced as an organisation and an industry, including the recent disruptions caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.”
“The RWWA Board would like to express their deepest gratitude for Mr Burt’s focused and effective leadership in ensuring a sustainable future for the WA racing industry.”
Effective from 30 September 2020, Mr Burt will leave the organisation to commence the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Fowler Group of Companies, where he will be responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of business interests.
Mr Ovens said that the Board would now embark on a nation-wide search for the next leader of its racing and wagering operations.