“We are delighted that we have been able to attract someone with both business credentials and a football background,” McMahon said.
Under the constitution of the Essendon Football Club, Mr Horsburgh will be required to submit himself for election by the members at the completion of this current year.
“The board felt both the club and Ray would benefit from him joining the board now,” McMahon said. “This type of casual appointment is permitted under our constitution and this provision has been used on previous occasions.
“When I announced to members that 2003 would be my last season on the board at Essendon, I did so to give my fellow directors ample time to seek out suitable candidates to fill a director’s role. The appointment of Ray Horsburgh certainly strengthens the board.”
Ray Horsburgh has been a long time Essendon member and strong supporter. He said he was looking to making a contribution to the Essendon Football Club.
“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to join the board of this club that I have followed for many years. I look forward to being of assistance in any way possible,” Mr Horsburgh said. “I will give my full support to whoever the new chairman of Essendon will be in light of Graeme McMahon’s impending retirement.”
Ray Horsburgh is Managing Director and CEO of the Smorgon Steel Group. Smorgon Steel Group is an Australian-based steel business, fully integrated from the collection and processing of steel scrap through to the manufacture, marketing and distribution of a broad range of steel and steel products.
The Company was publicly listed in February 1999 with more than 30,000 shareholders and employs over 6,000 employees.
Ray commenced work with ACI as an Engineering Cadet at the Spotswood glass plant. Ray held a range of senior positions during 31 years with Australian Consolidated Industries Limited including Chief Executive ACI Glass Packaging Group, responsible for operations in Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Indonesia, Malaysia and China, and is experienced in managing business in each of these countries. He also held directorships of Nylex Malaysia, ACI Shanghai Glass and Guangdong Glass in China, and PT Kangar, Indonesia.
In 1994 he joined Smorgons as the CEO of their steel business, and was appointed Managing Director and CEO on formation of the Company in 1998.
Ray is a member of the Business Council of Australia, Past President and member of the Board for 30 years for the Westbourne & Williamstown Grammar Schools, Chairman of the Committee of Management of Moonee Valley Race Course, Board member of the Freemasons Hospital Victoria. Ray is member of the Athenaeum Club, the MCG and St Leonard’s Golf Club.
Ray holds a Batchelor of Chemical Engineering degree.
