Equestrian Australia welcomes Jacob McLoughlin and Martin Silk to the Board

Equestrian Australia (EA) has welcomed Jacob McLoughlin and Martin Silk to its Board, bringing complementary experience in sporting governance, legal and regulatory matters, risk management and corporate leadership.

The appointments bring a combination of hands-on equestrian involvement and extensive professional expertise, supporting EA’s ongoing focus on strong governance, transparency and the long-term sustainability of equestrian sport in Australia.

McLoughlin has been involved in equestrian sport for much of his life, participating as a rider, volunteer and official. His experience across the sport provides a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing members, clubs and sporting organisations at all levels.

A lawyer with expertise in governance, regulatory compliance, litigation and commercial law, McLoughlin currently works with a major general insurer, advising senior executives and the Board on governance frameworks and strategic initiatives.

He has also held key governance roles within the equestrian and sporting community, including Director and Company Secretary of Pony Club Australia and Secretary of Pony Club Queensland. His experience serving on management and event organising committees has given him valuable insight into grassroots sport and the importance of effective governance that supports members and volunteers.

Silk brings extensive senior leadership experience across ethics, compliance, enterprise risk and technology, having held leadership roles with multinational pharmaceutical and medical technology organisations, including Astellas, Novartis and AstraZeneca. He currently works in Ethics and Compliance for Abbott across Australia and New Zealand.

A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Silk has led regional compliance programmes across Asia Pacific, developed enterprise risk frameworks adopted globally, and overseen significant technology and organisational change. His experience brings a strong focus on integrity, accountability and clear decision-making.

While Silk’s professional background spans a range of industries, equestrian sport has also been an important part of his family life. Through his wife Katrina’s active involvement and two of his three daughters’ participation in riding, he has developed a close appreciation of the commitment required from riders and families, as well as the importance of a safe, well-managed and sustainable sport.

As an EA Director, Silk aims to apply his professional expertise and personal connection to the sport to strengthen governance, support transparent communication and build member confidence. Horse welfare, participant safety and the long-term sustainability of equestrian sport are among his key priorities.

Together, McLoughlin and Silk bring perspectives that span grassroots participation, sporting administration and corporate governance, reinforcing the importance of effective leadership and accountability in supporting the equestrian community.

Their combined experience will contribute to EA’s work to support its members, strengthen organisational governance and help secure a sustainable future for equestrian sport in Australia.