JAMES O’BRIEN APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF LEXMARK INDY 300
27/4/2004 23:54 (Press Release) -
Lexmark Indy 300 Chairman John Cowley today welcomed James O’Brien to the position of General Manager of the Lexmark Indy 300 effective immediately.
“On behalf of the Board of the Lexmark Indy 300, I am delighted to appoint James O’Brien as the new General Manager for Queensland’s premier event,” said Cowley.
“James has an unmatched understanding of the event, and brings tremendous passion and vision to the role, as we look to grow the Lexmark Indy 300 even further.
“He has already played a key role in the success of the event since coming on board in 1999 as Operations Manager and then progressing to Event Director in 2002.”
O’Brien brings the key elements of leadership and event management to the new position.
Born in England with his father in the Royal Air Force, O’Brien led a nomadic lifestyle in his youth, living in England, Canada, and New Zealand before settling in Australia at age 16.
After finishing high school, O’Brien studied at the Royal Military College at Duntroon. He then spent 11 years in the military, starting as a Lieutenant and leaving with the rank of Major in 1999.
It was then that he converted his military training, knowledge and skills into event management as the Operations Manager of Indy.
Since joining the Indy team, O’Brien has seen the event grow in attendance from 250,000 to more than 306,000, and offer much more in terms of on and off track entertainment for the fans.
The 34-year-old Queenslander, supported by wife Jenny and two sons aged nine and seven, is excited by the appointment and the opportunity to develop the event even further.
“I am delighted to be appointed to this position,” said O’Brien. “The Lexmark Indy 300 is truly world class, and we are always striving to improve the product for fans, competitors, sponsors, the local community and volunteers.”
“Having worked on Indy since 1999, I am fully across its history, planning and operations processes and areas to improve.
“I have a wonderful and experienced team of staff and volunteers, and a very good working relationship with the Chairman and Board, to drive the event’s success even further.”
Last weekend O’Brien attended the first round of the Champ Car World Series in Long Beach, California, where he progressed plans for this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 with the Champ Car organisation and its teams.
This year's Lexmark Indy 300 will be held from October 21 to 24, with the features being round 14 of the Champ Car World Series, and the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge - round 11 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
Release Date: 23/04/2004
GCMEC
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