19.01.11
The future Board of Sydney’s soon to be united racing club today announced the selection of its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Board Committees.
The new racing Club, yet to be officially named, will result from the merger of the Australian Jockey Club Limited (AJC) and the Sydney Turf Club (STC).
These important leadership and governance decisions are critical to progress planning and activities in anticipation of the merger’s commencement in February 2011.
The future Board noted that the merger remains subject to the ACCC’s determination of the competition effects of the merger and the Minister for Gaming and Racing, the Honourable Kevin Greene MP, declaring the merger commencement date.
Chairman:
John Cornish, who has been Vice Chairman of the AJC since April 2009 was elected Chairman.
Vice Chairman:
Michael Crismale, a board member of the Sydney Turf Club since 2007, was elected Vice Chairman.
Chief Executive:
Darren Pearce, currently CEO of the AJC, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the merged Club.
Board Committees:
| Committee |
Chairman |
| Audit |
Michael Crismale (STC Director) |
| Finance and Remuneration |
Laurie Macri (Independent Director) |
| Merger Integration |
Max Whitby (STC Director) |
| Property Development |
John Camilleri (Independent Director) |
All the appointments were unanimous decisions made at a Board planning meeting yesterday and were the result of an intensive review process.
Mr Cornish said that he felt privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Sydney racing into a new era.
“These are historic times for Sydney racing and an exciting period lies ahead, with $174 million to be injected into world class facilities at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens,” Mr Cornish said.
“I congratulate everyone—from former Board Members of the two merged clubs to industry workers—who have put personal interest aside for the betterment of Sydney Racing.
“Sydney Racing has been presented with a unique opportunity to develop a plan that will see it prosper well into the future and as an industry we must take advantage of it.
“This is a time for the NSW racing industry to unite and work together.”
Mr Crismale said that as a businessman as well as racehorse breeder and owner, he was excited to play a leading role in the new club.
“There’s no doubt that the combined resources and expertise of the two clubs when merged will bring great benefits to Sydney racing,” Mr Crismale said.
“From efficiency savings, through to integrated programming and race dates, better use of venues and joint promotion of major carnivals, there is no doubt Sydney racing will be in a far stronger position.”
Mr Pearce said he is honoured to be granted this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I look forward to leading a team dedicated to delivering the benefits of the merger. I am determined to put Sydney Racing back on top,”
Mr Pearce said that his appointment now provided him the opportunity to meet with AJC and STC management to appoint the team to lead Sydney racing’s transformation.
Mr Pearce said his team’s first task would be to implement the merger and develop a long term strategy for Sydney racing and the broader business of the Club.
“We have two world class tracks at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick which are about to undertake an amazing transformation to become facilities the envy of sporting and event venues in all our markets; supported by two premier racing centres in Warwick Farm and Canterbury Park where exciting plans also exist.
Mr Pearce said he was not blinkered to the hard work that lies ahead but was excited by the possibilities for the future.
Pictured: Chairman John Cornish, vice-chairman Michael Crismale and new CEO Darren Pearce.
Source: Mark Evans - The Daily Telegraph