New EA Chairman Paul Biancardi has an optimistic outlook

Mr Biancardi says he is looking forward to leading the board and collaborating with management on the three key priorities which were identified at the board’s first meeting following this year’s AGM.

“We’ve put three things high on our agenda - we want to ensure that we develop and implement an effective ICT plan for the organisation, strengthen the organisation’s cash reserves and profitability, and undertake a review of the High Performance Program,” he stated.

Mr Biancardi said he is delighted to be associated with the new national board and serve as its Chairman. He described his fellow board members as a motivated group of passionate and knowledgeable professionals who are committed to working towards the common goal of advancing equestrian sport in Australia.

“I’m excited about the fact that our new board members are dedicated and passionate about equestrian sports. We have an incredibly experienced group of individuals offering a diverse range of skills, talent and expertise and an enthusiastic management staff who are all willing to work collaboratively for the betterment of our sport,” Mr Biancardi said.

As well as bringing a varied set of skills to the table, Mr Biancardi says each board member has close ties to the equestrian community.

“As diverse as their business skills are, they are also very passionate, knowledgeable and interested in horses and riders and each has a direct link with equestrian sports,” he added.

“We as a board are keen to put the sport on a firm foundation moving forward, we’ve got some fantastic horses and riders and some fantastic opportunities coming up in Normandy and in Rio. The board, staff and the equestrian community want to see our riders do well and we’ve got the talent to succeed so there’s no reason why we can’t,” he said.

Prior to its merger with Price Waterhouse, Mr Biancardi was the national chairman of Coopers and Lybrand, on the International Executive Committee and International Tax Chairman.

Having worked as a Chartered Accountant for over 30 years and served on numerous public, private company boards and more recently as a board member for a not-for profit organisation, Mr Biancardi has a wealth of diverse experience and knowledge to offer the organisation. He is looking forward to devoting his time to Equestrian Australia.

As well as his many business experiences Mr Biancardi is a passionate and enthusiastic rider having competed in pre-novice eventing and lower level dressage and show jumping competitions. Behind the scenes he has supported the sport for more than 20 years as an owner, sponsor and official. He was formerly the treasurer of the NSW Horse Trials and currently serves as Vice President of the Sydney Eventing Committee.

Mr Biancardi lives in Sydney’s northern beaches with his wife with whom he has two adult children.