Rebecca Riant has been appointed as the next CEO of ClubsNSW, taking over from Sallianne Faulkner who has served as acting CEO since February 2023.
Riant’s appointment follows a turbulent time for the powerful advocacy body representing clubs across the state, following the 2023 state election which saw gambling reform becoming a key election issue, and former CEO Josh Landis stepping down after comments he made about former premier Dominic Perrottet.
It’s taken six months to find a replacement for Landis, with the board noting that there’s been an extensive search. Her role will include leading the industry through Labor government’s promised poken machine cashless card trial, which is a lighter version of what Perrottet was promoting as a key election promise.
The appointment was confirmed at a board meeting on Friday morning and will see Riant assuming the role as of the 24th July.
Riant’s selection comes following an extensive search, with Riant’s experience across banking cited, including Westpac and the Commonwealth, as well as her time at Tabcorp where she has served as its CEO of Wagering and Media, and Executive General Manager for Sustainability, Markets and Customer Experience Delivery.
Riant has most recently been with The Star Sydney, joining in September 2022 to take the role of Chief Controls and Enablement Office for NSW and later the same position for the full Star Entertainment Group in January 2023.
“Rebecca brings over 30 years of experience in banking, strategy formulation and execution, regulatory liaison, and transformational change to our Association and the broader club industry,” Chair of the Board Dr George Peponis said on the appointment.
“The Board and I are looking forward to working with Rebecca to guide the industry through these challenging times and onward into a sustainable future, where we will continue to support and care for our communities.”
Peponis also described Riant as a highly principled and engaging leader, and the ideal person to lead the Association.
Riant said on her appointment that she has an appreciation for the role that clubs play across their communities, especially in regional areas.
“Clubs combat social isolation by providing a comfortable, safe environment for people to connect; they support tens of thousands of jobs all over NSW; and they are always the first to step up and offer food, shelter and a helping hand during times of crisis,” she said.
“It is a fantastic industry, and I am honoured and proud to have been appointed as CEO of ClubsNSW. I can’t wait to start.”