THE Brisbane Racing Club has named three leading business figures as Directors ahead of one of the most important phases in the Club’s history.
Chairman Neville Bell said the BRC had undertaken a thorough recruitment process to fill three vacancies on the Club’s board. The new directors are:
SenSenior lawyer Curt Schatz
· Poperty specialist John Shepherd
· Senior executive Terry Svenson
Mr Bell said the BRC had received intense interest in the positions as the Club prepares to embark on the $1.2 billion Master Plan that will transform Brisbane’s racing precinct.
“From the start, we were excited by the quality of the candidates and the level of interest in these positions,” Mr Bell said.
“It was difficult to decide on the shortlist of eight people and we were impressed with each of them during interviews. Some of the candidates will be disappointed to miss out but they were among a high-quality shortlist.
“Working with governance experts Directors Australia, we chose the three candidates whose skill sets, vision and energy will best complement the Club’s board in this important time. We thank Anita Brown from Directors Australia for her valuable input during the interview process.
“I welcome the new Directors and very much look forward to their contributions. Each person brings an enthusiasm and a range of skills that position the BRC for continued success.”
Mr Bell said the appointments came after the BRC had completed a Board evaluation process as part of the Club’s Strategic Plan. This five-year plan, called The Track Ahead, focuses on a restructure of the BRC’s business, the Master Plan development and a business diversification process.
The BRC is close to selecting a preferred joint venture partner for the first stage of the Master Plan – a $900 million residential development at Eagle Farm. The development will include up to eight towers featuring 1200 apartments. The Master Plan is expected to provide 7000 fulltime jobs in the construction phase and 4000 jobs once completed.
The Master Plan includes state-of-the-art stabling and training facilities inside a redeveloped Eagle Farm racetrack. The BRC hopes construction will soon begin on two tunnels beneath the racing surface, making possible the stabling and training project.
“Racing has been held here for almost 150 years and the decisions we make in the coming years will ensure the Brisbane racing precinct thrives for at least another 150 years,” Mr Bell said.
“We’re very pleased with the quality of the new Directors. They will join a board that has already overseen the drafting of our five-year Strategic Plan.”
Mr Bell said the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival was the BRC’s major focus for the next month. The carnival began with the successful UBET Cup Carnivàle Day last Saturday featuring the Group 1 double of the UBET BTC Cup and the Bundaberg Rum Doomben Cup.
The Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival continues on May 23 when Doomben hosts the first of three consecutive Saturdays, culminating in the track’s first staging of the $2 million AAMI Stradbroke. Eagle Farm remains sidelined for its much-awaited redevelopment.
New Directors
Curt Schatz
Partner, Mullins Lawyers
Curt Schatz leads Mullins Lawyers’ property and hospitality practice. He has more than 30 years’ experience in property, liquor and gaming law. Mr Schatz has a strong understanding of the BRC’s work both on and off the racetrack. He has owned and bred racehorses in Australia and New Zealand for more than two decades.
“I look forward to bringing my experience in property and hospitality law to the Board during this very important time for the BRC. It’s a privilege to join such an important Board and it’s also a pleasure for me to be able to combine my interest and expertise in law with my passion for horse racing.”
John Shepherd
Principal, Live Property Group
John Shepherd has been directly involved in the creation and delivery of projects totalling billions of dollars. Mr Shepherd has a banking, real estate and property development background working for large listed corporate institutions as well as boutique real estate and development companies. Mr Shepherd is a Board Member at Brisbane Marketing – the city’s economic development unit – following Board positions at UDIA Queensland and the Brisbane Cruise Wharf Terminal.
“I’m very excited to be appointed to the BRC Board. The Club is set for a very promising future and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute alongside other Directors. I also look forward to the chance to meet more BRC Members.”
Terry Svenson
Chief Executive Officer, Cerebos Australia and New Zealand
Terry Svenson leads more than 700 employees at Cerebos Australia and New Zealand. The food and beverage company has four manufacturing sites. Cerebos’s market leading brands include Gravox, Saxa, Mocopan and Robert Harris. Mr Svenson has extensive board experience including the Australia Food and Grocery Council.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed to the BRC Board. The Club has a very strong Strategic Plan and I look forward to helping to bring it to life with the Directors and the management team. I’m excited to be joining the Board in this important time.”
