Liam Howley has been given the green light to take over from Robert Hickmott as head trainer at Lloyd Williams' Macedon Lodge training complex.

Hickmott, who trained Melbourne Cup winners Green Moon and Almandin, is leaving Macedon Lodge to branch out on his own.

Howley was the assistant trainer to Hickmott and has had his licence upgraded by Racing Victoria.

His licence approval comes after stewards spoke to Williams this week following comments he made on Sydney radio that he was the head trainer at Macedon Lodge.

RV said stewards remained comfortably satisfied Williams was continuing to operate in the role of an executive chairman of Hudson Conway Racing and that Howley, as trainer, would be responsible for the day-to-day management of all horses in training at Macedon Lodge.