NEW BOARD LEADERS ELECTED AT 71ST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB
26/05/23: The Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) announced today a new Board leadership team for 2023 with the election of Natalie Turmine as new President and Chair, and Jamie McDonald as Vice President.
Natalie is currently the CEO of Campbell Page, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and sits on several other high profile business Boards and committees. A motorsport enthusiast and competitor on both two- and four-wheels, and having already served six years on the ARDC Board and she will help shape the Club’s future with newly elected Vice President Jamie McDonald, also a well-regarded motorsport enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge and experience in business strategy and risk management.
“I am honoured to have been elected as the President of Australian Racing Drivers’ Club and Chair of the Board,” said Natalie.
“I look forward to working with our Vice President Jamie McDonald, Deputy Vice President Andrew Leithhead, our fellow Directors, Glenn Matthews our CEO and his amazing team, our officials, volunteers, partners and Members.
“Together we are committed to ensuring that the ARDC continues its more than 70 years of best-in-class Australian Motorsport stewardship, circuit management and presentation, exhilarating events and experiences, and ARDC Member representation.
“Sydney Motorsport Park, our home since 1996, is testament to this amazing journey and the upcoming grand opening of the Stage One building of the new Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct (AMIP) on the Brabham Straight will be another step forward for the future of our Club, our Track, and for motoring and motorsport in Australia.”
The ARDC also recognises the contributions of outgoing President of 14 years, Andrew Leithhead, whose leadership has seen the organisation grow in stature and influence. Andrew’s tenure has overseen significant developments at the Eastern Creek circuit including the expansion of the track, installation of LED lighting, the creation of the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct, and multiple high-level events and programs. Andrew will continue to play an active role as Deputy Vice President, donating his time and expertise to the ARDC’s ongoing place in Australian motorsport.
“The ARDC team has achieved a great deal in the last decade or so and it has been an immense privilege to lead the Club over that period,” said Andrew.
“Leadership renewal is an important element of good governance, and after 14 years it is time for me to make way. I am very pleased that the Board has elected Natalie as our new President, and look forward to an exciting future for the ARDC.
“As one of the first female Board members of the ARDC, and now President, Natalie will continue to influence the future of our organization and how we attract new participants and audiences into Motorsport”.
The board’s vision is grounded in the ARDC’s core values of innovation, excellence, collaboration underpinned by its unsurpassed love of motorsport. Under the leadership of Natalie, Jamie and Andrew, and supported by Directors Phil Harrison, Peter Preller, Danny Rezek, Rachelle Stirling and Terry Thompson, the ARDC will continue to adapt to the changing demands of the industry and ensure that it serves its Members, government and industry partners through innovation, networking opportunities and enhanced services.
For more information on the Board, the Club, Sydney Motorsport Park
and the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct, please see ardc.com.au