The former boss of AFL is taking over Australian betting giant Tabcorp. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Gillon McLachlan served as the CEO of Australian Football League (AFL) for a decade before making his exit in 2023. Now, he has turned his talents as a boss towards gambling by securing the position of Chief Executive at Tabcorp.

McLachlan will become Managing Director and CEO of the operator on August 5

Australian betting giant Tabcorp released a statement confirming the news on Monday. It stated that McLachlan will become Managing Director and CEO of the operator on August 5. He will earn at least AU$1.5m (US$990,000) a year plus bonuses and is subject to a 12-month non-compete clause at the end of his tenure.

McLachlan said he is looking forward to the new role and aims to grow the business by creating “entertainment for our customers in a safe way.” He also stated that the size and influence of Tabcorp as a business was a key component in his decision, given that the firm is Australian racing’s biggest partner and has a presence in all states but Western Australia.

The 51-year-old joined the AFL in 2000, securing the position of Chief Operating Officer in 2008. It wasn’t until 2012 that he became CEO. He announced his departure in 2022 but stayed until 2023.

Former Tabcorp CEO Adam Rystenskild stepped down in March this year after the company claims he used “inappropriate and offensive” language. Rystenskild said he “didn’t recall” making the alleged comment but “agreed to resign” nonetheless. It is unclear what the alleged comment was.