Changes to Code Leadership

Greyhound Racing New Zealand
Media release
9 October 2006

Changes to Code Leadership

Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) today announced two changes to its leadership team. Liz Dawson, a Wellington based consultant and professional director has been appointed to the Board and Lance Bickford, CEO has resigned to take up a new role leading GRNZ's involvement in a new joint venture involving the development and marketing of new racing technology

Liz Dawson comes to the Board with outstanding marketing and communication skills and industry experience through her involvement with Greyhound Racing South Australia in previous years.

The new CEO of GRNZ will be Jeremy Kennerley who brings strong sporting and administrative experience to the role. Jeremy is also an ex-Chairman of GRNZ and this will mean a quick and smooth transition as the industry continues its change momentum.

GRNZ Chairman Trevor Deed acknowledges the strong contribution of Lance Bickford during his last three years as CEO and his outstanding leadership as he has seen the industry through a strong growth phase.

"In a crucial time when GRNZ were focusing on developing two of the key drivers for our Code especially in re-positioning greyhound racing as an entertainment option with broader public appeal, Lance's experience and focus has seen our strive for continued growth be successful."

"Lance sees the development of the code as only half finished. He strongly believes that we are yet to reach our full potential and hopes that the development of our new joint racing technology venture, a venture that he will now lead, will help to enhance the codes appeal at an even faster rate. We can now lever Lance's greyhound knowledge into another potential growth opportunity for our Code," Mr Deed said.

Mr Deed is also very pleased to welcome Ms Dawson to the Board and recognises the strong contribution she will bring to the Board in the communication and marketing disciplines.

"Liz has had roles with large commercial organisations such as AXA New Zealand, is currently a director of the Hurricanes Super 14 franchise and is a trustee of the Wellington Regional Stadium Trust. Through her involvement with greyhound racing in Australia, which is a much larger industry than currently in NZ, she is excited by the opportunities that are available to the code in New Zealand."

"I'm enthusiastic about the recent changes in the Code leadership as we are already seeing the positive impact of new Board members and I firmly believe that our Board is as strong as it has ever been. Jeremy and Liz will bring new and fresh ideas, as well as strong business acumen to our code and we will continue to be very focussed on delivering further success for our stakeholders."

ENDS

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