Chairman of the Victorian Racing Commission Rod Fitzroy was announced that he will step down from his post on June 24.

Michael Burn, who has been Vice Chairman since 2008, has been endorsed as Mr Fitzroys’s replacement.

Mr Burn will be the 20th Chairman of the VRC since 1871.

Mr Burn was first appointed to the VRC Committee in 2003, and his first call of duty was to join the audit commission.

Burn also works as an executive director for the Macquarie Group, where he specialises in telecommunications, media and entertainment. It is understood that Burn has transferred these skills into his role with the VRC, where he has been a major catalyst in setting the strategic and financial direction of the club.

Outgoing Chairman Rod Fitzroy said that Burn has all the necessary skills to be a huge success in his role with the VRC.

“Michael brings a rare blend of commercial acumen, leadership, governance skills and a passion for racing to the role of Chairman,” said Fitzroy

The new VRC Chairman also paid tribute to his predecessor.

“Rod has been an outstanding Chairman of the VRC.

“He has been at the forefront of exceptional growth in the international standing of the VRC and the Melbourne Cup carnival, has overseen the ongoing transformation of
Flemington into a unique racing and entertainment facility, and presided over the successful rebuild of one of our famous track,”

As one of his last acts of business, Mr Fitzroy also announced that Jayne Sturzaker had been elected to the board of the VRC, and will replace the recently retired Peter Barnett.

At just 29 years of age, Mr Sturzaker will be the youngest director of the VRC.

“As a board member, I look forward to contributing to the future growth of the club through leveraging the VRC’s reputation as a world leader in horse racing and further development of the autumn racing festival. I am also committed to the continual improvement of members’ facilities, privileges and rights and being a true representative of members’ and stakeholders’ views,” said Ms Struzaker.