THE Brisbane Racing Club has appointed Dave Whimpey as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Whimpey will join the BRC on February 24, bringing a rich corporate background in hospitality, events management and operations with some of the nation’s best-known companies.

Mr Whimpey’s appointment enhances the BRC’s reputation as one of the state’s most proactive sporting organisations, valuing its traditional base while seeking opportunities to diversify.

Mr Whimpey joins the BRC as it prepares for its Brisbane Racing Precinct Master Plan – a project that will transform the Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses and the local community.

“We’re very pleased to announce Dave’s appointment,” BRC Chairman Neville Bell said.

“We were specifically looking for an executive from outside the traditional racing base who could manage the BRC through this most exciting period for the Club.

“Dave brings a very strong background in hospitality, events management and marketing and he has a proven track record of delivering results and events in customer-driven organisations.”

For the past three years, Mr Whimpey has worked for Coles Hotels as its National Manager – Strategic Finance and Gaming. His role involves strategy at Coles Group’s 96 hotels, which feature 3000 electronic gaming machines.

Mr Whimpey, 45, has also worked for Tabcorp, Hilton Hotels and KPMG in a career stretching more than 20 years. His tenure at Tabcorp included the role as director of operations at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to play a role with the Brisbane Racing Club,” Mr Whimpey said.

“I’m humbled by the Club’s history, which stretches back 149 years, and thrilled at the opportunities the BRC has to become one of the most diversified and innovative clubs in this country.

“The BRC’s Eagle Farm and Doomben racetracks are iconic in Queensland sport and I look forward to working with the Board and with the team at the BRC to take the next steps into this changing era.”

Mr Bell said the BRC received 170 applications for the chief executive’s role. The job was advertised after Stephen Ferguson moved to the Australian Hotels Association.

“We received applications from as far as Dubai, Macau, New Zealand and all Australian states,” Mr Bell said.

“The BRC’s business is events management and racing is our core function. But we must diversify the business model to develop non-racing revenue streams. This then enables us to further develop our passion for racing.”

The BRC is also pleased to announce the appointment of Bart Sinclair to a consultancy role as Racing Manager.

“There would not be a Queenslander who knows more about the racing industry. Bart retains a real zest for its continued development and remains one of the best-connected people in Queensland’s racing industry,” Mr Bell said.

Mr Sinclair will be assisted by highly experienced BRC employee Melissa Shield, providing the industry with a powerful team to oversee racing issues.

BRISBANE RACING CLUB MEDIA RELEASE