The former AFL chief executive will lead the gaming giant

McLachlan will become managing director and chief executive on August 5, Tabcorp said in a statement to the ASX on Monday.

He will act as an observer until approvals from regulatory authorities are obtained.

McLachlan will leave the AFL in 2023 after a decade in the top job.

In a statement, he said he was looking forward to the challenge of growing the gaming company’s business by creating “entertainment for our customers in a safe way.”

He said Tabcorp was the largest partner in Australian racing, contributing $1.1 billion in 2023, and a presence in every state except WA was an important part of his decision.

McLachlan will receive $1.5 million a year including pension contributions as basic income.

He will be entitled to short- and long-term bonuses and will be subject to a 12-month non-compete clause upon termination of his employment.

McLachlan joined the AFL in 2000 and was appointed chief operating officer in 2008 and then deputy chief executive four years later.

He replaced Andrew Demetriou as CEO in 2014, overseeing the formation of the AFLW and the AFL’s response to Covid-19.

He announced his departure in 2022 but stayed until 2023 at the AFL’s request.

– AAP