The club announced yesterday Grant Gaskin would be the new general manager of the racing club.
He replaced Rebecca Adlam, who is moving on to another role.
Otago Racing Club chairman Murray Acklin said the club was pleased to make the appointment of Gaskin to the role.
In a statement, the club said Gaskin had worked in many senior roles throughout the Asia-Pacific region and most recently as vice-president, operations and development, Australia and New Zealand for Swiss-Belhotels International.
"His experience has encompassed the development of new operations including hotel openings while delivering a wide variety of events both for the state and private sector," the statement said.
The club was embarking on a programme to increase its financial stability with the establishment of a broad range of events using the excellent facilities of the Wingatui racecourse.
"We look forward to Grant providing the leadership to develop exciting weddings and events. The success of the events will assist in taking the facilities at the club to a new level."
Gaskin, who could not be contacted yesterday, was living in Outram and said in the statement he was excited about the prospect of growth at the Otago Racing Club.
The club has brought in some new faces and Gaskin joins Acklin, who has a long history with racing administration.
In the last season, profit before depreciation was $42,301.
The depreciation for the club was $95,233, which led to a loss of $52,932.
Hard work by the club’s staff helped lessen the loss and some assistance from the wage subsidy had the club doing better than first feared when Covid-19 hit.
The club lost four race days during the lockdown period and also lost functions, which hit the bottom line.
The club has 11 racing days this season, the second highest in the South Island for a thoroughbred club behind Riccarton.
A racing review is currently being carried out in the Otago-Southland region by business consultant Sapere, on behalf of Racing NZ. The consultant has talked to most clubs in the region and is expected to present its report to Racing NZ at the end of next month.
Any decisions to be made by Racing NZ are expected to take place after this date.
