Racing Victoria boss steps aside

Racing Victoria will shortly commence a recruitment process for a new chief executive after Andrew Jones on Friday resigned from the position.

Jones' departure comes less than two years after he was recruited as the replacement for Giles Thompson.

Jones said now was a good time to step aside with a new chairman and refreshed board about to be announced at RV.

"Having served under two chairmen, my resignation makes way for the new chair and board to select a new CEO to take Racing Victoria forward into the future," Jones said.

"I came to the role with a clear view on challenges facing the industry and I leave knowing I left nothing on the table."

Jones stared at RV in July 2022, having been recruited from outside the racing industry. A former chief executive at Cricket New South Wales, he also had a stint as general manager of strategy at Cricket Australia and spent time as interim CEO at Netball NSW.

RV's chief operating officer Aaron Morrison will be interim CEO as the organisation conducts a search for Jones' replacement.

RV's acting chairman Mike Hurst said Jones had been a significant contributor in what has been a challenging time for the racing industry.

"Andrew brought fresh eyes and ideas to our industry and on behalf of the board I acknowledge the significant contribution he has made," Hirst said.

"He challenged the industry to be more ambitious and to rethink everything from programming and prizemoney distribution to growing the fanbase and participant and equine welfare.

"In the face of a declining wagering environment, his leadership has been instrumental in sustaining an industry which supports more than 25,000 jobs across the state."