Former Tabcorp and The Star executive appointed boss of ClubsNSW

Rebecca Riant, a former executive at Tabcorp and The Star Sydney, has been named the new CEO of ClubsNSW.

ClubsNSW, the lobby group representing clubs across New South Wales, sacked former CEO Josh Landis in January after he publicly admonished premier Dominic Perrottet for bringing in policy based on his “conservative Catholic faith.”

Riant will officially assume the position on July 24, 2023, and brings with her exceptional experience having worked for two of Australia’s biggest gambling companies.

Riant has also held executive positions at renowned institutions such as Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank. But it’s her experience in gambling that fits with ClubsNSW, after serving as Executive General Manager for Sustainability, Markets and Customer Experience Delivery at Tabcorp before becing the COO of Wagering and Media, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Riant assumed the role of Chief Controls and Enablement Officer (NSW) at The Star, Sydney, in September 2022, and later progressed to the Chief Controls Officer for the whole Star Entertainment Group in January 2023.

“Rebecca brings more than 30 years of experience in banking, strategy formulation and execution, regulatory liaison, and transformational change to our Association and the broader club industry,” Chairman of ClubsNSW, Dr George Peponis, said.

Peponis expressed excitement about working with Riant to navigate the industry through challenging times and ensure a sustainable future that supports and cares for communities.

“As a highly principled, engaging leader, Rebecca is the ideal person to have at the helm of the Association, and consulting with all of our major stakeholders,” he said.

Riant is well-versed in the complex regulatory and operational environments in which NSW clubs operate, which is complimented by her “deep appreciation for what clubs do and is well credentialed in member experience delivery and sustainability for business.”

Riant’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the industry, coinciding with the recent announcement by the NSW government to reduce the cash-in limit for poker machines in pubs and clubs to AU$500.

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