Supercars has announced that long-serving Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard is set to replace outgoing CEO Sean Seamer ahead of the 2022 Supercars season.
Howard was selected from a high calibre list of professional business and sporting leaders from around the globe, and with nearly twenty years of involvement with the category, it was hard to ignore that level of experience.
Stepping into the top job at a critical time for the sport with new owners now on deck and the introduction of Gen 3 on the horizon, Howard seems an excellent choice to steward the transition of the sport moving forward.
Supercars’ Chairman, Barclay Nettlefold said: “As an incredibly talented businessman, Shane brings many great qualities and experience to the leadership role within the organisation.
“He is well credentialed and enjoys support from a wide cross section of business and community leaders as the right person for the role.
“Just as importantly, he has a deep understanding of the sport, the teams, our key stakeholders and fans.
In 2001, Shane Howard was handpicked by founder Tony Cochrane to head up Supercars Events. Howard supported the Supercars’ Hall of Fame inductee to develop marquee street circuit events and the global expansion of Supercars, including races in China, the Middle East and the USA.
A well-known Gold Coast based executive with four decades of experience in various forms of domestic and international motorsport, Howard was named as a founding member of the Supercars’ Commission, originally chaired by Mark Skaife in 2011.
Howard said: “This is an amazing opportunity and I’m very proud to be moving into the Chief Executive role at an organisation I have been a part of for more than 20 years.
“Over that time, I have worked with some of the most incredible minds in sport and entertainment who have helped us grow the organisation to where it is today – one of Australia’s most popular sports.
“The fans have always been at the heart of what we do. Our goal is to move forward and continue to innovate and expand our events as well as our footprint in media and the digital landscape.
“I share the passion of our staff, teams, sponsors and key stakeholders who want to see the sport continue to grow.
“I am excited about our future under the new ownership group and have full confidence in our management team that is experienced in delivering world-class events for one of the top touring car categories in the world.
“It is an honour to be taking on this role as Supercars Chief Executive.
