Country Racing South Australia is pleased to share that the Oakbank Racing Club Committee has secured highly respected racing and hospitality administrator Bodelle Francis as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Bodelle joins the Club after eighteen months as the CEO of Greyhound Racing SA, leading the industry body through a period marked by significant achievements and challenges.
She brings with her nearly two decades of experience across racing, hospitality and events, having led the South Australian Jockey Club as both Chair and Executive Chair, as well as overseen the development of Adelaide Oval’s Oval Hotel as its inaugural General Manager.
Oakbank Racing Club Chair Arabella Branson said Bodelle was the ideal candidate to lead the Club going forward.
“We are thrilled to have secured someone of Bodelle’s experience, strategic thinking and business acumen as the next Oakbank CEO.
“The Committee has a clear vision for the future of Oakbank – we strongly believe it can be a thriving, multi-purpose venue at the heart of the Adelaide Hills.
“We are determined to deliver on that bright, vibrant future for our members and our community, and we are confident that Bodelle is the right person to do it.”
Bodelle will officially commence in the role from Monday 29 January ahead of the much-loved Oakbank Easter Festival in late March.
“As a passionate member of the racing community and a recent Adelaide Hills local, I am excited by the many opportunities presented by Oakbank,” Bodelle said.
“While the Easter races are iconic, this picturesque location has the potential to be a thriving tourism, events and hospitality destination for the region.
“I feel privileged to be a custodian of this historic Club and look forward to getting started.”