MOTORSPORT: Strong new leader for V8SC
James Strong to replaces Tony Cochrane in the chairman's chair at V8 Supercars Australia - and it's sure to mean a different, lower-profile of leadership.In his late 60s, Strong will be a non-executive chairman – that is, not working in the business day-to-day, but giving it strategic leadership around the board table.
After Cochrane’s surprise exit from the big chair recently (he remains an adviser and part-owner), Strong claimed in today’s announcement that V8SC – which will have four marques next year and is expanding internationally – has “unlimited potential”.
“V8SC is without doubt the leading motorsport category in this region and a force worldwide,” Strong said.
“I look forward to contributing to the next phase of the V8 Supercars’ development and growth.
“The sport is in wonderful shape for the future and I want to play an active part in the next period of evolution.”
On the V8SC board alongside Strong will be Andrew Gray and Brad Lancken of Archer Capital (the private equity company that has owned most of V8 Supercars Australia for more than a year), team owners Roland Dane and Brad Jones, and chief executive David Malone.
It was Malone who made today’s announcement about Strong, who has just retired after more than a decade as chairman of Woolworths and has been an avid fan of motorsport, particularly MotoGP and Formula One.
“All forms of motorsport are a passion of mine,” Strong said.
For many years until recently Strong was a board member of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and he remains a director of Dorna Sports, the Spanish company which runs the MotoGP world championship.
Strong's connections with Qantas at board level have continued long since he was chief executive. He has chaired Insurance Australia Group and Kathmandu Holdings and is chairman of the organising committee for the World Cup cricket tournament to be held in Australia in 2015.
Strong is also a renowned patron of the arts and was made an Order of Australia (AO) in 2006 for his services to business and commerce, particularly in aviation, insurance and retailing, and to the arts as an administrator and philanthropist.
Early this month he became chairman of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“James has an impeccable record in corporate governance and administration for two decades and brings to V8SC a wealth of experience,” Malone said.
“Aside from being a pre-eminent Australian corporate leader, James also has a deep understanding in the business of motorsport, having been on the board of the AGPC and a director of Dorna Sports… James will help guide V8 Supercars through its next growth phase," Malone said.
“His corporate experience and motorsport knowledge will be invaluable as the board and management team embark on that process,” he stated.
Archer Capital’s Gray said Strong would add “wisdom and strategic insights” as V8SC pursues its growth plans.
Triple Eight Race Engineering owner Dane also welcomed Strong’s corporate credentials and motorsport passion on behalf of the teams.
So V8 Supercars has a new chairman and Nissan Altimas and AMG Mercedes-Benz E63s are being built with 5.0-litre engines to compete against new Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons next year, when the series will venture to the US.
All that’s needed now is a new TV deal – although the race telecasts are widely expected to remain on the Seven network.
photo: Jaime Williams
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