Two Southern Hemisphere breeding powerhouses, the Australian and South Africa  Breeders Associations announced new leadership on the same day. 

South African TBA appointments

On behalf of the Council of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), Susan Rowett, the Chair of the TBA of S A announced the following appointments:

Kevin Woolward as Chief Executive Officer
Peter Gibson as Director of Breed Affairs and Public Relations

Both appointments are effective 1st September 2014. Jan Naude will stand down as CEO at the end of August. This marks the retirement of Jan Naude after 18 years and, on behalf of the whole breeding industry, I thank him for his service over all the years. Jan will act as Consultant to the CEO until the end of 2014 thereby ensuring a smooth transition over the end of the current financial year.

Kevin Woolward joined the TBA earlier this year and has made an immediate impact with the adoption of policy and control procedures. Kevin's formal qualifications are B.Compt and MBL. Kevin is a member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants and the Turnaround Management Association of Southern Africa. He is also a registered Tax Practitioner. Kevin spent over twenty years with Croda SA, the local subsidiary of Croda International, including seven years as Financial Director and six years as Managing Director. In recent years Kevin has worked as a freelance consultant to a number of business including Reckitt Benckiser. Kevin has been a lifelong follower of racing and is a keen studier of bloodlines.

Peter Gibson joins us following the closure of Horseracing South Africa (Pty) Ltd and the subsequent dispersal of Kenilworth Quarantine Station which he managed since 2003. Apart from his intimate involvement with the development and promotion of South Africa’s international export ambitions, Peter has built up an unparalled breadth of knowledge of the breeding and racing industries in South Africa and on the global stage, with a widespread network of contacts locally and internationally. The Association has long been in need of someone to drive forward the interests of breeders in general - veterinary liaison, government relations, industry liaison, training, seminars, grooms co-ops, breeder liaison, etc, and we are fortunate indeed to have Peter join us at this time. His Breed Affairs role will be combined with a Public Relations role covering BSA's client relations and marketing (in conjunction with the CEO) including representing BSA's interests as a Director on the SA Equine Trade Council.

Meanwhile is Australia, The Boards of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse Marketing announced Tom Reilly, currently the editor of the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, as new Chief Executive Officer of both organisations.

As well as being a leader in the media industry, Mr Reilly has a deep understanding of Australian politics and business, which will enable him to advocate strongly on behalf of breeders.

Mr Reilly has had a lifelong passion for racing and breeding. After finishing university he spent three years working for trainers Luca Cumani and Mick Channon in the UK, Coolmore Stud in Kentucky and Christophe Clement in New York. He has also owned shares in horses both here and in the UK.

TBA chairman Basil Nolan welcomed the appointment.

"I am thrilled that someone of Tom's ability with an understanding and passion for the racing industry from an early age has accepted the role of CEO TBA/Aushorse," said Mr Nolan. "I feel that Tom has the capacity to deliver a sound outcome for all breeders of Thoroughbreds in this very competitive environment."

Aushorse Chairman Antony Thompson said; "We received a large number of outstanding candidates and we are delighted to be able to secure Tom as CEO. He has practical horse experience and knows the overseas markets and industry participants. I am sure he will quickly grasp the industry issues and complexities whilst working with all stakeholders for the benefit of both organisations."

Mr Reilly, who was born in London, first came to Australia in 2007 for the Melbourne Cup. Within two months he had moved here permanently.

After starting as a reporter on the Sunday Age in Melbourne, he moved to the Herald in Sydney where he held a number of senior positions before, aged 35, he was made one of the youngest editors of the daily paper in its history.

"It's a tremendous honour to become chief executive of TBA and Aushorse and I'm looking forward to starting in the role," said Mr Reilly.

"The Australian breeding industry is recognised as a global leader and I'm keen to continue to develop the Aushorse brand overseas and further increase international investment in our bloodstock whilst ensuring we continue to support and cultivate domestic ownership and Australia's love and passion for the Thoroughbred."

"I hope to provide a strong voice on behalf of the breeding industry, both with other stakeholder groups and governments at all levels."

Mr Reilly will commence the role in mid September.

TBA is the peak body of the six state breeding associations, representing more than 3,700 breeders and industry participants. Aushorse Marketing is a non-profit organisation founded with the aim of promoting the Australian Thoroughbred both domestically and overseas and increasing sales.