BRC Welcomes New General Manager – Marketing, Membership and Strategic Partnerships.

 
Elsa Dalessio recently joined BRC in a key management role encompassing Marketing, Membership and Partnerships, and comes to her new position already with a strong passion for racing.

She has lived in the Eagle Farm precinct suburbs of Ascot, Hamilton and Hendra for over three decades however the real connection to racing crystalised when the family moved beside the 1200 metres start in Mein St Hendra.

“I just loved waking up early in the morning and looking over the back fence at these magnificent racehorses being worked early morning from 4 am,’’ Elsa said.

“We lived there for around three years backing onto the main track and saw the infield stables come out of the ground. For me a day at the races is such a wonderful experience and social occasion, not only an opportunity to dress for the season, visit the members, and reconnect with many wonderful friends, but also appreciating the athleticism of the horses is always the real attraction.’’

Elsa, her long time partner Terry Bower and teenage son Ben currently live on the southern side of Eagle Farm in Ascot, just a short walk to the BRC main office and close to the hive of activity on Racecourse Road.

“For Terry’s birthday present last year I discovered the great value of BRC membership and bought us one each,’’ she revealed.  We relished in the fabulous opportunities and great facilities the BRC members enjoy and take the opportunity to support the great race day events as often as our busy family life would allow.

Her new position in charge of three crucial components of the BRC business is a break from her long and established career in the airline industry where she held senior executive roles for over 25 years, most recently as Regional Manager QLD / NT for Qantas, Executive General Manager QantasLink and CEO of Sunstate Airlines.

Born in the Northern Rivers area Elsa moved with her family to North Queensland at a very young age. At age twenty her working life in airlines started with a sales position in a TAA retail shop in Mackay.

“In 1988 I moved to Brisbane for Expo in corporate sales with Australia Airlines and then spent five years with British Airways to 1994 before joining Sunstate Airlines or later QantasLink,’’ Elsa said.

“That decision was driven by the chance to work with some of the great CEOs and leaders in the airline industry.  During COVID like many airline industry workers impacted by the devastating impact on airline travel and tourism, I had the chance to reassess by career.   That was part of my reason to embark on a big career change and come on board with the BRC.

I was lucky enough to have met Neville, the Chair and some of the Board members in the past few years,  and met Tony when he first started as CEO.  I quickly identified their great leadership and exciting growth plans for the future was where I wanted to be.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Qantas Group and will be an advocate for the company.

However I am absolutely looking forward to a new challenge particularly in a field that I love so much and creating special experiences for members and racegoers.’’