Carol Adams OAM Named Perth Racing’s First Female Chair

In a significant step forward for diversity in the Australian racing industry, Perth Racing has appointed Carol Adams OAM as the first female Chair in its 164-year history.

Adams, who currently serves as the Mayor of the City of Kwinana, is set to bring her leadership experience and dedication to advancing the club and industry as a whole.

Perth Racing’s announcement highlighted Adams’ extensive career in public service and leadership, noting her “passion for the racing industry and commitment to building Perth Racing’s profile.” Her role is expected to involve steering the club’s strategic initiatives to increase member engagement and support the club’s long-term vision in an evolving sports landscape.

Adams expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead the historic club: “Perth Racing has long been an important part of WA’s sporting community, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and development during my tenure.”

This appointment aligns with broader trends across Australian sports, where organisations are moving toward inclusive leadership and diversity in governance structures. By selecting Adams, Perth Racing follows a path seen in other national sports bodies as they respond to calls for more representation and gender diversity in executive roles.

Adams’ tenure will focus on guiding the club through an evolving business environment, particularly as it looks to attract new demographics to racing. Her influence may also impact sponsorship and stakeholder relationships as the club strengthens its market positioning. As the racing industry adapts to a changing entertainment landscape, Adams’ role will be pivotal in advancing Perth Racing’s relevance and legacy.

Perth Racing CEO, James Oldring, underscored the historic nature of Adams’ appointment, stating, “Carol’s proven leadership and understanding of community dynamics will be invaluable as we work to deliver sustainable growth for our club and the wider racing community.”

With Adams at the helm, Perth Racing’s board is positioning itself to enhance its role within Western Australia’s sporting ecosystem, aiming to set new standards for the future.