Tabcorp, the Australia-focused gaming and wagering company, has announced Brett Chenoweth as its new chairman following Bruce Akhurst’s decision to retire. Chenoweth will officially assume the role after the company’s 2024 annual general meeting (AGM) on 23 October.
With extensive executive experience, Chenoweth has been a non-executive director at Tabcorp since 2022 and currently chairs the Risk, Compliance and Sustainability Committee. His career includes leadership roles such as CEO and managing director of APN News and Media, as well as senior positions at Silverfern Group, Telecom Corporation of New Zealand, and Ecorp.
In recent years, Chenoweth has focused on board roles, serving as director of hospitality group EVT Limited and holding other positions including chairman of Canberra Data Centres and Retire Australia, and director at software developer One New Zealand Group.
Chenoweth expressed enthusiasm about continuing Tabcorp’s transformation following its 2022 demerger, which separated lottery operations from wagering, media, and gaming services. “The work over the past two years has laid solid foundations, positioning us to capitalize as the market recovers,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with CEO-elect Gill McLachlan and the board to unlock the company’s full shareholder value.”
He also praised Akhurst’s leadership during the demerger and transition. Akhurst, who has chaired Tabcorp since July 2027, will remain on the board through the end of 2024, assisting with regulatory approvals for the incoming CEO.
Reflecting on his tenure, Akhurst said, “We’ve rapidly transformed Tabcorp into a faster, more innovative, and responsive company. I congratulate Brett on his appointment and will support a smooth handover. He’s one of the best business minds I’ve worked with.”
Following the announcement, Tabcorp’s shares surged, rising 5.8% at market open on 19 September, and reaching gains as high as 11.6% earlier in the day.
