Howard named as new Supercars CEO
Supercars has appointed long-serving Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard to replace Sean Seamer as the head of the organisation, with a clear remit to continue the domestic and international success of one of Australia’s most popular sports.
Howard was selected from a high calibre list of professional business and sporting leaders from around Australia and the globe.
He has spent nearly 20 years ingrained within Supercars management, having first worked with the organisation at the 1997 Bathurst 1000.
Having successfully guided Supercars through previous leadership changes, Howard brings a wealth of experience to the top job across business development, operations, marketing and live entertainment.
In 2001, 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.
He currently oversees Supercars’ Event Management and Motorsport Operations and is the organisation’s key liaison with various government organisations.
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.”
Howard brings more than two decades of experience to Supercars’ top job at a time of change under new owners, Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises Ltd (RACE).
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.
“With Gen3 hitting the track in 2023 and international borders beginning to reopen, he has a clear strategic vision for the future of Supercars which the new ownership group fully supports.
“He is an outstanding leader with a proven track record in guiding Supercars’ operations.
“He is genuinely passionate about Supercars and we are very pleased to appoint him into the Chief Executive role.”
Howard will commence in the role as CEO from February 1, 2022 prior to the opening round of the Repco Supercars Championship, which begins in Newcastle on March 4-6. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
