New leadership at Racing Queensland to drive industry growth

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has welcomed the appointment of Brendan Parnell to the position of CEO at Racing Queensland.

“Brendan Parnell is a respected racing executive with strong experience at the highest levels of industry,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“I look forward to working with Brendan and the team at Racing Queensland to grow and prosper racing throughout the State.

“Under the Palaszczuk Government, Racing Queensland has become more financially resilient and the organisation now has a stronger commercial focus.

“This has resulted in the allocation of $15 million in extra prizemoney and RQ is forging ahead with major investments in new racing infrastructure.

“The racing industry has a bright future in Queensland, and with new leadership the industry is set for a new era of growth.”

Mr Parnell has substantial experience in racing and wagering and was most recently the Chief Operating Officer, Wagering, of Tatts Group, which operated UBET prior to Tatts Group’s merger with Tabcorp in December 2017.

He also held senior roles at Tabcorp and Sky Channel and has undertaken a Senior Executive Program at Stanford University. 

Mr Parnell will commence in his new role on May 14. Racing Queensland’s General Manager of Racing Simon Stout continuing in the Acting CEO role until Mr Parnell arrives.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548