CBD was delighted to learn that Tabcorp, under the new management of ex-AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan , has decided to take the brave step of banning politicians from its marquee on the hallowed turf of the Birdcage at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week. Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan. Credit: Eamon Gallagher The gaming, media and wagering services company missed its cost guidance at its results in August and its share price tanked , 18 days into the McLachlan tenure.
So cost-cutting is now a big focus, even during spring racing. Tabcorp will also axe its secondary entertainment structure well away from the Birdcage near Flemington’s winning post. Instead, it will lavish attention on its own clients in its marquee rather than self-important snout-in-the-trough elected officials out for a good time on someone else’s dime.
You have to hand it to McLachlan, CBD thought. Since taking the job in August, the tall man has moved with patrician assurance to stamp his mark on the organisation, and this ban is just the latest example of inspired leadership. But that was before we learnt that McLachlan’s marquee ban also extended to journalists, including your columnists.
Those were the days: Liberal MP Paul Fletcher in the Tabcorp marquee in 2019. Credit: Chris Hopkins So now we feel he is exhibiting a rather hamfisted approach to stakeholder relations and has given succour to critics who always thought his sector inexperience meant he was a bad fit for the job..