RASV Board appoints Brad Jenkins as CEO

Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Brad Jenkins is set to take the reins as Chief Executive Officer from 1 December 2019.

RASV President Matthew Coleman today announced the Board’s decision to appoint Mr Jenkins following CEO Paul Guerra’s resignation as he prepares to take on the role of CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Brad is an accomplished and trusted leader who consistently delivers results having operated at senior management for more than 25 years, said Mr Coleman.

"With extensive senior management expertise in event management, marketing, business development, venue management and hospitality for highly respected membership based organisations, Brad joined the RASV in April 2008 as General Manager for Marketing and Business. He is a strong and steady set of hands at this crucial juncture for the RASV.

"In his most recent role as CCO, Brad has been instrumental in maximising the appeal and success of the Royal Melbourne Show and Melbourne Showgrounds and in particular driving revenue growth, reinvigorating the RASV’s family of brands and events, developing new markets and business opportunities and leading teams recognised as high performers."

Mr Coleman said that Mr Jenkins is an experienced senior executive who has a deep understanding of RASV’s vision and the business and industry environments in which it operates.

“Brad has been instrumental in the revamping and successful delivery of the much loved Royal Melbourne Show, Victoria’s largest and most iconic annual community event along with elevating RASV’s brand and reputation and growing RASV’s international food and beverage award programs and the major events that are held at Melbourne Showgrounds,” said Mr Coleman.

“Brad will lead the RASV through an exciting period of growth as we work with our partner, the Victorian Government, on the masterplan for Melbourne Showgrounds and fulfil our vision to grow our stellar events program as a champion for agricultural excellence.”

The Board thanks Paul Guerra for his considerable service over the last 20 months. We wish him well at Victorian Chamber, and look forward to leveraging the synergies between the two organisations further into the future.

Mr Jenkins said he can’t wait to commence the role.

“It is a great privilege to lead an organisation with such a proud and rich history and it’s an exciting time to be appointed CEO of the RASV. I am honoured to be appointed and excited by the opportunity,” Mr Jenkins said. “The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria has successful events, venues, award programs, brands, people and heritage.

“We now have the opportunity to progress our Masterplan vision for Melbourne Showgrounds site and make an even bigger contribution to Victorian life in events, agriculture, food, entertainment, education and tourism.”