Former AFL administrator Steve Rosich has officially been anointed as the chief executive of the Victoria Racing Club.

Rosich was ushered into the post on Thursday following a two-month transition period and replaces the outgoing Neil Wilson.

The chief executive of the Fremantle Dockers for more than a decade, Rosich has come on board at a critical time for the VRC.

The club has been at the centre of controversy following another international horse death in its flagship race with Irish stayer Anthony Van Dyck having to be euthanased after breaking down in the Melbourne Cup.

Rosich will also be charged with the task of steering the VRC through its emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rosich says his first focus will be on getting members, owners and the general public back on course, a goal he hopes will be achieved in December, providing government restrictions continue to ease.