Minister acknowledges Pearson appointment

10/05/06
Racing and Wagering Western Australia board director and local racing identity Bob Pearson has been appointed chairman of the Australian Racing Board (ARB).
Mr Pearson will replace current ARB chairman Andrew Ramsden, whose two-year term comes to a close in September this year.
Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan said Mr Pearson had been a director of RWWA since its inception in 2003 and was highly regarded in racing circles.
"Bob has been a wonderful ambassador for WA racing and he will do a great job as chairman of the ARB," Mr McGowan said.
"This is the first time in the ARB's 100-year history that a chairman has been appointed from outside New South Wales or Victoria and I wish Bob well in his new role.
"This appointment is a just reward for the significant contribution that he has made - not only with the establishment of RWWA, but also the resurgence of the racing industry in the West.
"WA's racing industry structures are now acknowledged as the best in Australia and Mr Pearson will be well placed to bring the benefits of his experience to this national role."
Professionally, Mr Pearson's business career has been concentrated in the oil industry, particularly in logistics and in marketing lubricants throughout WA.
He is currently executive chairman of Statewide Oil Distributors, which was awarded the second generation Western Australian Family Business Award as part of the national awards program yesterday.
Mr Pearson's son - Sydney Olympics swimming gold medallist Todd Pearson - is the company's chief executive.
Previous positions held by Mr Pearson include President of the East Perth Football Club (1990-1992), committee member Western Australian Turf Club (1992-1994), member of the Betting Control Board (1993-1994) and board member of the WA Swimming Association (2000-2002).
Minister's office: 9222 9111