Billett Departs GRNSW As Restructure Takes Hold

GREYHOUND Racing NSW (GRNSW) has parted ways with its long-serving Deputy CEO Wayne Billett as part of an organisational restructure announced on Wednesday.

Mr. Billett, who has played an integral role at the commercial arm of the industry for more than a decade, joins Director of Rehoming and Adoption Jamie Palmer in leaving the business.

The departure of Mr. Billett and Ms. Palmer follows recent news that Chief Commercial Officer Rachel Bessis – a hire of former CEO Rob Macaulay – had formally resigned from her post.

Three months into his time at the helm of GRNSW, CEO Steve Griffin said the new structure would allow GRNSW to rapidly respond to the Drake Inquiry findings, ensuring its structure was fit for purpose and equipped with critical skills for development.

"Having recently been appointed as GRNSW CEO after six years leading the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC), I am aware of heightened community expectations around animal welfare," Griffin said.

"For our sport to thrive we have to continue growing, and the new structure will help unlock our enormous ambitions for innovation to make the sport thrive into the future.

"That includes some exciting operational changes for track participants and TV and online viewers, that will improve animal safety while bringing about a much better user experience."

While the restructure came as little surprise, it was the decision to move on from Mr. Billett which is understood to have come as a shock from many within the GRNSW corridors.

Following the much publicised departure of former CEO Rob Macaulay in July last year, the GRNSW board parachuted Billett into the role of Acting CEO to assist in navigating a most turbulent time for the organisation.

And it was Mr. Billett's steady hand that many have credited in helping to stabilise the business during a time of great upheaval as the ongoing Drake Inquiry gained momentum.

In announcing the departure, Mr. Griffin acknowledged the significant contribution Mr. Billett has made to the organisation. 

"Our restructure means our valued current Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Billett, will be leaving GRNSW after more than 20 years with the organisation, including nine critical months as Acting CEO," Mr. Griffin said.

"I want to publicly acknowledge Wayne's forceful advocacy for the greyhound industry, his passion for the sport and substantial body of achievement over many years. He is rightly well respected and well regarded by many in the industry.

"Wayne's expertise and knowledge will not be lost to the sport as we will look to involve him in some of the exciting projects we have ahead of us.

"We also thank Jamie Palmer for her efforts in reshaping our rehoming programs and particularly for the lead role she played working with first responders in the organisation's new PTSD Program. We wish Jamie all the very best in the next stage of her career."