The Victoria Racing Club has announced board member Neil Wilson will become interim chief executive.
Simon Love resigned last week after holding the top position for almost two years.
Wilson joined the VRC board in 2012 and became honorary treasurer earlier this year.
VRC chair Amanda Elliott said she was delighted Wilson had agreed to take on the role until a permanent replacement was found.
"This interim solution ensures leadership and stability for this year's Melbourne Cup carnival while a thorough search process is undertaken," Elliott said.
She said Wilson and Love would work together to ensure a smooth transition.
Elliott said she wanted to recognise the contribution Love had made to the VRC over his past six years with the club.
"He has accomplished important strategic objectives for the club over that time in key areas such as the Masterplan, the introduction of new technology and infrastructure, funding and business modernisation," she said.