Greyhound Racing SA announces plans for Board succession

Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) will build on the foundation of success created over the last few years by implementing a Board succession plan designed to support the future prosperity of the industry.

The succession plan, forms part of a broader 5 year strategic plan being developed by the GRSA Board, and will commence in March when GRSA Director Michael Fabbro becomes Chairman.
 
Current GRSA Chairman Ms Roseanne Healy, who has served nearly nine years on the GRSA Board, says it’s the ideal time for other Board members to be supported in the transition to a new era for greyhound racing in SA.
 
Rather than serving out her current term as Chair, she will instead spend the remaining few months in a mentoring role to the new Chairman and other Board members.
 
Ms Roseanne Healy said recent industry reforms resulting from the Board’s open and future focused approach to strategic imperatives have positioned the industry for future growth.
 
“The benefits have been quick to flow to the industry with participants now having more opportunities to race their dogs and for greater prizemoney as a result,” said Ms Healy.
 
Since 2003, when Roseanne Healy joined the GRSA Board the industry’s market share has risen from 13.64% to 15.96% and annual prizemoney has grown from $2.7 million to in excess of $5.4 million.
 
The racing program has also been expanded with a 73% increase in the number of income generating races being run as the result of successful negotiations with Sky Channel and TAB.
 
“The industry continues to evolve and I believe the new strategic plan will provide the catalyst for a new shared industry vision and presents an ideal opportunity for another Director to steer the new Board into the next phase,” said Ms Healy
 
Incoming Chairman Michael Fabbro joined the GRSA board in November 2009 and is a practicing solicitor and principal of his own firm, Ezra Legal.
 
He holds a bachelor of commerce majoring in accounting and is a fellow of the Taxation Institute of SA a member of the Leaders Institute and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia.
 
Michael is also a Board member of the Aged Rights Advocacy Service.
 
“GRSA will be in good hands under the guidance of Michael Fabbro who has excellent credentials and a demonstrated commitment to the industry,” said Ms Healy.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR
 
Greyhound Racing SA Board Members
 
Chairman elect Michael Fabbro joined the GRSA board in November 2009 and is a practicing solicitor and principal of his own firm, Ezra Legal.
 
He holds a bachelor of commerce majoring in accounting and is a fellow of the Taxation Institute of SA a member of the Leaders Institute and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia.
 
Michael is also a Board member of the Aged Rights Advocacy Service.
 
Ben Miels joined GRSA as a Board Director in April 2011.
 
Ben Miels began his career with chartered accounting firm Edwards Marshall in 1990 and is currently Managing Partner of the firm with responsibility for the strategic direction and financial management of the practice.
 
Ben has held many senior positions with the Institute of Chartered Accountants including a term as Chairman for SA/NT and is a Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Program.
 
Paul Preiss joined GRSA as a Board Director in November 2011.
 
Paul brings to the Board a wealth of experience in business and marketing strategy and human resources. He began his career in manufacturing and international trade and went on to take up senior marketing roles with National Pharmacies, the Royal Automobile Association of S.A and the University of Adelaide.
 
He is currently a director and partner in Adelaide-based strategic management and marketing consultancy Makrid Preiss & Associates.
 
Dr Chris Doyle joined GRSA as a Board Director in November 2011.
 
Chris has more than 39 years experience working closely with the greyhound racing industry’s trainers and owners. He is the current greyhound veterinarian at Angle Park and also serves as President and Chairman of the Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association.

ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Please contact Simon Hatcher on (08) 8412 4100 or simon@hughespr.com.au