The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has locked in Tanya Fullarton as its new chief executive officer, after four months as interim CEO since she took over after the sudden departure of former CEO Tom Reilly.
The club has also announced influential racing figure Jonathan Munz has joined the MRC committee as vice chair.
It comes just weeks after previous chairman John Kanga stepped down, and former vice chairman Cameron Fisher was named as Kanga’s replacement.
Fullerton joins with more than 30 years’ experience across racing operations, event management, sponsorship and marketing. She has held senior and board roles with the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association, Geelong Racing Club and the RMIT Marketing Industry Advisory Group and previously worked at Racing Victoria.
As founder of her own consultancy practice, she advised leading racing and corporate organisations including the National Jockeys Trust, Moonee Valley Racing Club, Ridley Corporation and Zenith Payments.
Fisher praised the appointments, noting it would solidify the club’s leadership and board.
“Tanya has done an exceptional job over the past four months, leading the club through one of its most successful Caulfield Cup Carnivals in years — with huge crowds across all three days, corporate hospitality at capacity and the Caulfield Cup itself a sell-out,” he said.
“This success was the result of an outstanding team effort, and I want to acknowledge and thank all MRC staff for their professionalism, energy and commitment in delivering such a memorable Carnival for our members, partners and racegoers.”
“She brings deep racing experience, strong commercial capability and genuine connection with members, participants and partners.”
“Having someone of Jonathan’s calibre join the Committee is a tremendous benefit for the Club. He is one of Australia’s most successful and respected business persons and a leading owner and breeder and brings expertise at the highest level across business management, finance, property and racing.
“Both Jonathan and Tanya are widely respected for their professionalism, integrity and contribution to the industry, and will help position the MRC for continued success,” said Fisher.
MRC cited it enters 2026 with “strong momentum”, citing “bumper membership and engagement, growth in younger audiences through digital innovation, increased female participation and ongoing investment in racing and community programs”.
“2026 will be a year of growth and opportunity,” Fisher said. “We’re investing where it matters — our racing program, our members and our community.”