Hawkesbury Race Club has announced the appointment of Ken Rutherford as its new CEO, effective early February, 2020.
Rutherford is currently the CEO of the Waikato Racing Club in Hamilton, New Zealand.
He comes to Hawkesbury with extensive experience in the racing and wagering industry, and has held senior roles in Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand.
He is a former New Zealand cricketer who enjoyed a ten-year career with the national team, and was captain for a period in the 1990's.
Raised in Dunedin, New Zealand, Rutherford relocated to Sydney to complete a post graduate certificate programme in strategic management, marketing and finance, before commencing work with TAB as a bookmaker and part time track-side presenter, quickly being promoted to head of sports betting in 2003.
In 2010, he was appointed as Head of Marketing and Communications for South African racing broadcaster, Tellytrack and was promoted to Chief Executive during the term.
He moved back to New Zealand in 2013 for his current position at Waikato Racing Club.
"Ken Rutherford was chosen in a competitive selection process from a strong field of candidates, both internally and externally," said Hawkesbury Race Club Chairman, Ken Quigley.
"Mr Rutherford is extremely qualified for the position and the Hawkesbury Race Club; Board of Directors look forward to working with him to progress the club forward."
Current acting CEO Lea Porteous said: "Ken is an exciting addition to the team, and I am delighted to be handing over the reins to such a qualified candidate".
Ken, who was born and educated in New Zealand, will relocate to Sydney with his wife and two daughters.
"I am excited and delighted to be joining the team at the Hawkesbury Race Club and look forward to working with everyone at the Club," said Mr Rutherford reflecting on his appointment.
Hawkesbury Race Club held it's final race day of the calendar year on Sunday, December 15 with a six-race field.
There were several strong outings from Hawkesbury based horses.
In race two, the Provincial and Country Maiden Handicap (1100m) Brad Widdup's three-year-old colt, Deepfield's Raine, won by 0.5 of a length. De Garwin, trained by Hawkesbury's Matthew Vella, placed third.
In the following race, Class 2 Handicap (1100m), James Cummings three-year-old filly, Enfleurage, had a solid win by nearly two lengths.
Cummings had another placing in race four, as his four-year-old gelding Canzonet was just edged out of a win by 0.2 of a length.
Racing at Hawkesbury Race Club will return on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
