The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) is pleased to confirm Andrew Fraser and Thea Jeanes-Cochrane have been appointed to the CAMS Board.

Fraser, the former Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, has significant sports governance experience, including at the Australian Sports Commission, the National Rugby League (NRL) and New Zealand Rugby League. He is also currently the Chair of Sunsuper.

Fraser said he was delighted to take on the Appointed Director role.

“I was raised in the back of a family car dealership in North Queensland – and probably pre-programmed to be a motorsport fan,” Fraser said.

“Joining the CAMS Board provides the opportunity for me to combine my recent background in sports governance, and my public and private sector experience to a sport that I love.

“In my experience, most sports face multiple challenges, but the strengthening of CAMS in recent times is impressive, and I hope I can play a role in helping guide that continuing growth.  

“Ensuring the sport has the resources and the capacity to provide leadership, and support the clubs around the country is the primary task of all board members – and I am looking forward to joining the team.”

Jeanes-Cochrane is highly regarded and globally experienced in the sports and entertainment industry. She has a proven track record in creating, producing, commercialising and managing a diverse portfolio of events and activities, including working on the Commonwealth Games and in motor sport, having worked on Supercars and Indy events.

Jeanes-Cochrane said she was looking forward to the exciting challenges being a CAMS Board member would present.

“It’s a great honour and an opportunity to be posted to any national Board, certainly this is true in the case of CAMS. Our family has a very proud and distinguished history being deeply involved in Australian motor sport – I look forward to carrying on that tradition,” Jeanes-Cochrane said.

“I am thrilled to have been given an opportunity to influence the landscape of Australian motor sport and especially proud to be the second female board member alongside, Margot Foster.

“My business ventures have seen me working with an eclectic group of people from London Museums, Real Madrid C.F, The Rolling Stones, to our own state governments’ with each venture bringing valuable learnings. I hope to bring these perspectives and my experience in dealing with different viewpoints to the Boardroom.”

CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos said the two new Appointed Directors would replace outgoing Board members, Tony South and Ian Gillespie, who have both served on the Board since 2012.

Papadopoulos said Fraser and Jeanes-Cochrane’s appointments were a coup for CAMS.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome two highly qualified Directors on to the CAMS Board,” Papadopoulos said.

“These are two terrific appointments for CAMS that will have a positive impact on everyone involved in motor sport, with both Thea and Andrew eager to utilise their skills and bring fresh ideas and viewpoints to our Board.

“CAMS is in a terrific position, with increased growth at all levels and continued investment in grassroots motor sport.”

Papadopoulos also praised the significant contributions of both outgoing Directors.

“It has been an honour sharing the Boardroom with both Tony and Ian who have contributed so much to motor sport in Australia,” Papadopoulos added.

“They both deserve our heartfelt thanks and leave knowing that they have left a lasting legacy, given the significant contributions they have made during their respective terms.”

Fraser and Jeanes-Cochrane will take part in their first CAMS Board meeting in April.