Australian gambling operator Tabcorp has announced that David Attenborough will retire from his roles as chief executive and managing director in the first half of 2021.Attenborough joined Tabcorp in April 2010 as managing director for wagering, before going on to become managing director and CEO when Tabcorp completed the de-merger of its former casinos business in June 2011.
He remained in the roles following the merger of Tabcorp and Tatts Group in December 2017.
“The combination with Tatts is now largely complete and, as such, now is the right time to start the process to appoint the next CEO who can work with the board and management team to take the company forward,” Attenborough said.
“Until then, I am totally committed to steering Tabcorp through the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and ensuring that our businesses are best positioned for the future.”
Meanwhile, Tabcorp has also selected Steven Gregg to succeed Paula Dwyer as chairman of its board, with the latter set to retire from the role on 31 December this year.
Dwyer has served as chairman and a non-executive director of Tabcorp since June 2011, but will step down before the end of the year.
Gregg, a director of Tabcorp since 2012, is also currently chairman of Caltex Australia Limited as well as a director of Challenger Limited and thoroughbred bloodstock company William Inglis & Son Limited.
Earlier in his investment banking and management consulting career, he held a number of senior roles, including as global head of investment banking and CEO at ABN Amro Bank, and a partner and senior adviser to McKinsey & Company.
“I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and executive team to realise the opportunities Tabcorp has following the Tabcorp-Tatts combination: to drive shareholder returns and the continued trust of our customers, business partners, employees, governments and the broader community,” Gregg said.
Dwyer added: “With the integration of Tatts nearing completion, the time is now right for a new chairman to lead the Tabcorp board into the future. The appointment of Gregg will provide continuity of leadership and an orderly transition as the company identifies and transitions to a new Managing Director and CEO.”
