New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is pleased to announce the appointment of two integral business unit positions, Head of Thoroughbred Welfare and Sustainability and Head of Finance.

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.

Having previously held the CEO position at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Justine Sclater brings extensive knowledge of the industry and welfare requirements for Thoroughbreds.

Sclater’s 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.

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.

NZTR believes Cramond has the necessary experience needed to drive the business forward, as well as provide financial insights and analysis to help guide decision-making processes.

Both Sclater and Cramond will join the governing body’s Senior Leadership team, with NZTR’s Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Sharrock, commenting on the new appointments.

“In regard to Justine’s role, we know that welfare and sustainability is vitally important for our entire industry. It’s a big topic and this is an important role,” he said.

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

“With this focus, Justine will replace Martin Burns, who previously held the broader General Manager - Thoroughbred Welfare and Sustainability role for several years. We would like to thank Martin for his outstanding contribution towards NZTR’s welfare sector to date and his advocation for the treatment of horses and participants, both on and off the racetrack.

“We also eagerly await the appointment of Rowan, who will lead NZTR’s Finance department and play a role in the implementation of the Single National System (SNS).

“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.

“Rowan will replace Tracy Tutty, who previously held the Head of Finance role. Tracy was engaged as a contractor and over the last 12 months has done an amazing job, in particular over recent months navigating NZTR through some crucial financial challenges.

“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,” Sharrock said. 

Both Sclater and Cramond will be based in the Waikato effective from mid-May and will be working closely with our Petone-based teams.