Willowbank Raceway appoints event management expert to CEO role
The Management Committee of Willowbank Raceway is pleased to announce the appointment of noted events and sports management identity Tony Manson to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1st 2013.
Replacing the role of General Manager which was previously held by Steve Bettes, the CEO role will see Manson responsible for all track and event management duties while reporting to the Willowbank Raceway Management Committee and its President Tony Wedlock.
Manson brings 30 years of events and sports management experience to Queensland's premier drag racing facility, with specialist skills including business analysis and restructuring; operational event planning and management; sports event management; facilities development; and sport series administration and development.
Willowbank Raceway President Tony Wedlock said Manson's previous employment – which includes high profile motorsport roles across a wide range of disciplines and events – ensures the facility's new CEO has plenty of motorsport experience to complement his business management know-how.
"Willowbank Raceway is ready to surge into the future with fresh ideas and new events," said Wedlock.
"The appointment of Tony Manson to the CEO role is the final piece to the puzzle as we get ready for an exciting new phase at Queensland's premier drag racing facility.
"A look at Tony's resume clearly shows he has the expertise and the know-how in both business and motorsport to skilfully steer Willowbank Raceway into its next chapter and as such, we couldn't be happier to be welcoming him to our facility."
Manson said he was looking forward to sinking his teeth into the role at Willowbank Raceway.
"After years working Internationally and in Australia in the events and sports management industry, I am excited about the opportunities presented by Willowbank Raceway," said Manson.
"The venue is well known across the country plus overseas and is hallowed ground for many drag racing enthusiasts, especially when it comes to the largest championship drag racing event held outside of North America – the FUCHS Winternationals.
"I am very excited to get to work with Willowbank Raceway's management committee, employees, racers, sponsors, partners, officials and the local community to take this great venue to the next level!"
Over the years Manson has been Director of his own event and sports management business (Helter Skelter); Event Manager and Industrial Portfolio Lead for Exhibition and Trade Fairs (part of Staging Connections); Operations Director for Global Action Sports (including promoting and organising extreme sport shows including Crusty Demons and SuperX Australian Supercross events); Commercial Director for Team Australia Motorsport (Champ Car, NASCAR and V8 Supercars); Special Projects Director for Cup Car Australia (organisers of Carrera Cup Series); and Operations Manager for V8 Supercars Australia. For more information on Manson's skills and a full employment history, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tony-manson/16/217/b0
Manson will commence his appointment with Willowbank Raceway on the 1st of October this year.
