Kevin Dixon is set to become the next chairman of the Racing Queensland Limited after stepping down from the number one position with the Brisbane Racing Club.
Kevin Dixon will be the new Racing Queensland chairman - photo (c) Daniel Costello
The post became available yesterday with the announcement that Bob Bentley would resign as chairman of RQL along with board members Bill Ludwig and Tony Hamner.
The mass exodus of board members from RQL was expected with the landslide LNP election win after Labor’s long run in power.
Other senior executives to resign under controversial circumstances after the election were Chief Executive Malcolm Tuttle, director of Integrity Operations Jamie Orchard, Product Development manager Paul Brennan and corporate counsel Shara Reid.
The new LNP government is currently investigating the legality of their payouts which is reported to be in the vicinity of $1.7m.
Dixon will initially take up a position as a board member until Bentley’s resignation takes effect from April 30 and the implementation of a transitional plan is set in place by the new LNP government.
“I’ve always said I’d assist the LNP in whatever way I could,” Dixon said.
“I’m excited to be involved to implement the LNP policy to revitalise racing right throughout the State.”
“I did not take this decision lightly and will miss my involvement with BRC greatly.”
“I am excited to be offered a role helping to reshape our great industry under the plans being implemented by the LNP Government.”
Dixon has been the leading force behind the amalgamation of Brisbane’s two Metropolitan race clubs, The Queensland Turf Club and the Brisbane Turf Club and it has been suggested for a long time that he would be the right man to take over RQL once Bentley decide to move on.
Former Queensland Turf Club director Bill Sexton who is a currently vice chairman of the BRC will take over the reins from Dixon.
“On behalf of all members and Directors of BRC, I wish to thank Kevin for his immense contribution to the club,” Sexton said.
“Kevin has guided our master plan with dedication and expertise and driven improvements to facilities at Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourses.”
Dixon is facing a huge task to get Queensland racing back on track and his initial tasks will include the implementation of the LNP’s new country racing policy, restructure and move the Integrity department to government and set up a full analysis of the financial situation of RQL.
