The Melbourne Racing Club will begin a search for a new chief executive after Josh Blanksby announced his resignation on Tuesday.
Blanksby is the second metropolitan racing chief executive to resign in recent months after his Victoria Racing Club counterpart Steve Rosich quit in April.
On Monday, the VRC announced top AFL executive Kylie Rogers would replace Rosich on September 1.
Blanksby will continue with the MRC until August 31.
It is unclear what Blanksby will do next, however, he has previously been linked to the chief executive role at Tabcorp.
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Blanksby has been with the MRC for a decade, holding the chief executive role for the last seven years, overseeing the Caulfield Masterplan development along with growing membership numbers.
He also played a significant role in the establishment of the MRC Foundation, which has raised more than $5 million for various charities.
Blanksby also oversaw the negotiation of a 65-year lease for the Caulfield Racecourse, which sits on Crown land, making the track and infield open to the public.
“My 10 years at the Melbourne Racing Club have been fantastic,” Blanksby said.
“I am most thankful for the lifelong relationships I have formed with many people across racing and most importantly our wonderful staff at the Club.”
Blanksby was proud of his contribution to the Caulfield Masterplan and the Melbourne Racing Club’s strong current financial position.
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“Our balance sheet and underlying business performance are strong and the current property rezoning processes will result in the Club having further strength and optionality.”
“I feel the time is right to pass the baton on with the Club in a strong financial position and key infrastructure projects completed allowing it to control its own destiny.
“I look forward to working with the Committee and our Executive over the next three months to assist with the transition to a new leader.
“I wish the Committee and staff of the MRC the best of luck into the future and thank everyone for their support throughout my time.“
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Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matt Cain said Blanksby was “an exceptional leader at MRC”.
“During his tenure, the Club has achieved significant milestones, including delivery of the first phase of our Caulfield Masterplan, negotiated the most significant partnership in the Club’s history with Sportsbet, and heralded innovation within the racing media rights landscape,” Cain said.
“The Club is in a very healthy position due to Josh’s dedication and strategic decision making and we thank him for the remarkable outcomes we have collectively achieved. We wish Josh continued success with his future endeavours.“
Originally published as Melbourne Racing Club chief executive Josh Blanksby announces resignation after seven years in charge