New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced that long-time SkyCity executive Matt Ballesty will take over as Chief Executive Officer, officially stepping into the role on March 5, 2025.
Ballesty, who has an extensive background in the gaming and entertainment industry, has previously held key positions at Australia’s Crown Resorts and Macau’s Melco-Crown during its early years. Most recently, he worked as an industry consultant across the Asia-Pacific region. His tenure at SkyCity Entertainment Group spanned more than nine years, including his role as Chief Casino Officer until his departure in July 2022. Prior to that, he was involved in Crown Resorts’ expansion efforts in Sri Lanka and Canada and served as General Manager of Casino Operations at Altira, Melco-Crown’s first Macau property, from 2006 to 2009.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Ballesty described his appointment as a homecoming, emphasizing his long-standing passion for racing both as an enthusiast and an owner. He stated that he was eager to contribute to the further development of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.
NZTR Chair Russell Warwick highlighted that Ballesty’s unique expertise made him the ideal choice to lead the organization. He pointed out that the racing industry was undergoing significant change, and Ballesty was well-positioned to ensure that everyone involved continued to play a vital role in shaping its future. Warwick further noted that the appointment aimed to secure the long-term legacy of the industry and that NZTR was confident in Ballesty’s leadership during this critical period.
Discussing his vision for the industry, Ballesty acknowledged the hard work that had sustained racing at a grassroots level for generations. He expressed excitement about engaging with the breeders, trainers, owners, jockeys, and clubs who collectively contributed to making New Zealand’s racing industry a globally recognized force.
With Ballesty at the helm, NZTR looks to navigate a transformative era while reinforcing the industry’s strength and legacy on both national and international stages.
Have you read?
Best CEOs.
Best Companies.
Richest People (Billionaire).
Richest Women (Billionaire).
Richest in Each Country (Billionaire).
Bring the best of the CEOWORLD magazine's global journalism to audiences in the United States and around the world. - Add CEOWORLD magazine to your Google News feed.
Follow CEOWORLD magazine headlines on: Google News, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Copyright 2025 The CEOWORLD magazine. All rights reserved. This material (and any extract from it) must not be copied, redistributed or placed on any website, without CEOWORLD magazine' prior written consent. For media queries, please contact: info@ceoworld.biz
