Victorian regulator promotes from within to name new chair
Decorated former police chief Christopher O’Neill to succeed Fran Thorn, with announcement coming less than a day after regulator’s CEO hands in resignation
Christopher O’Neill has been named the new chair of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) in the latest shake-up of its senior leadership team.
The new role marks a step up for O’Neill, who has been a commissioner at the Australian state’s regulator since October 2022.
His promotion marks the end of Fran Thorn’s reign, who became the inaugural chair in January 2022.
O’Neill’s arrival at the VGCCC came after 45 years of service with the Victoria Police, where he served as acting deputy commissioner in 2016.
He won multiple awards during his lengthy police career, including the Australian Police Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Emergency Medal, National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal.
Melissa Horne, the minister for casino, gaming and liquor regulation, talked up O’Neill’s appointment, insisting he has the required skillset to help guide the VGCCC.
“I congratulate Mr O’Neill on his appointment as chairperson of the VGCCC – his background with the commission and Victoria police will bring vital expertise to the position,” she said.
“The gambling regulator has been significantly strengthened since it was re-established in 2022 and O’Neill’s appointment will ensure continuity and the embedding of these important changes.”
On Thorn’s efforts, Horne added: “I thank Fran Thorn for her outstanding service to the commission, and her dedication to reducing gambling harm and improving the integrity of the Victorian gambling sector.”
O’Neill’s appointment came a day after VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt confirmed she will step down from her post in March 2025 to spend more time with her family.
Kimmitt has opted to retire from her full-time executive career but will retain her positions on the boards of investment firm duo Trawalla Group and Mirrabooka Investments as a non-executive director.
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