New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced the appointment of two integral business unit positions, Head of Thoroughbred Welfare and Sustainability and Head of Finance.

Current New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association chief executive Justine Sclater will take up the position of Head of Thoroughbred Welfare and Sustainability, while Rowan Cramond will take on the Head of Finance role.

Sclater brings extensive industry knowledge to the role and her pre-existing relationships in both breeding and racing will enable her to further develop NZTR’s welfare strategy while building and maintaining relationships with relative industry stakeholders responsible for overseeing the care, well-being, and protection of thoroughbreds.

“This was not an easy decision for me to make but I felt this is an important role for the future of our industry and I am ready for a new challenge,” Sclater said.

“I would like to thank the NZTBA for giving me the opportunity as CEO, a role I have enjoyed immensely and one that has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.”

NZTR chief executive Bruce Sharrock is looking forward to welcoming Sclater aboard and he believes her industry knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the role.

“Having someone like Justine who has so much experience and respect in the industry is exciting for us. We are looking forward to having her in that role,” Sharrock said.

“We know that welfare and sustainability is vitally important for our entire industry. It’s a big topic and this is an important role.

“We have to ensure we are on top of our social licence and welfare is paramount to that.”

Rowan Cramond will lead NZTR’s Finance division, departing from a successful career at the Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand (previously Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton) as Director of Finance Operations.

“The Head of Finance is a crucial position within any organisation and we are confident that Rowan’s skillset and previous experience will ensure NZTR is operating in a financially sustainable and responsible way for the benefit of the industry,” Sharrock said.

“Overall we view that both individuals will play a critical part in ensuring that NZTR has long-term success in the Thoroughbred welfare sector, as well as providing financial stability for the company.”

Both Sclater and Cramond will be based in the Waikato effective from mid-May.