Lizzy’s winning move

New Toowoomba Turf Club CEO relishing her ride to the top.

Lizzy King is looking forward to a positive 2020 for Toowoomba Turf Club in her new role as chief executive officer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

RACING : Lizzy King knew the first day she strode up to her new workplace at Clifford Park she was on a winner.

Almost four years later, her arrival is continuing to pay healthy dividends for both King and Toowoomba Turf Club.

In 2016 King opted out of the Toowoomba radio scene to help drive the city’s largest sport and social venue and after now being handed the lead Clifford Park reins she intends making every post a winner for the club in 2020.

King last month was chosen from a quality list of applicants to replace outgoing Blair Odgers as Toowoomba Turf Club CEO.

Odgers has been appointed CEO of Pakenham Racing Club in Victoria.

King’s club promotion follows her previous club role as business development manager.

“I started with the club in February 2016 after coming from brekky radio (at then 4GR) to be Clifford Park business development manager,” King said this week.

“I knew I wasn’t going to get any further in radio, and with two young children (Matilda 10 and Charlotte almost five) it got to the point where I thought it was time to get a real job.

“It wasn’t only a job change, but a lifestyle change as well.

“In breakfast radio you are up at ungodly hours of the morning and of course away from your family at the start of the day.

“The change has been great for my family, and what a change it’s been.

“I took to the new challenge like a duck to water and it was such a great fit with the profile and contacts I had been able to build working in the media.”

King has helped grow club sponsorship to more than $320,000 annually which is a record figure.

“Through marketing and publicity we’ve been able to help bring the club into the 21st century and I’m proud to be a part of that,” King said.

“We also have a retention of over 95% in sponsorship which is a great figure and a nice reflection on the work we do and what we offer here at the club.”

Lizzy King lending a hand at this year's public Weetwood barrier draw with Wippells Autos dealer principal David Russell (left) and Toowoomba chief steward Rion Hitchener. Picture: Kevin Farmer.

King had no hesitation in applying for the CEO position and its accompanying extra workload.

“The last month has been a bit of a whirlwind, but I have put my hand up over the last couple of years for a bit more responsibility, and I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity,” King said.

“I’ve had some excellent feedback from stakeholders to my promotion.

“I’m very humbled by the response and congratulations I've received and for the board to recognise my work and dedication by bringing me into this position.

“I’m also grateful and lucky to have had great assistance from Blair Odgers who has been a good supporter of mine and who really helped make the transition in jobs run smoothly.”

The family of King’s husband James has been involved in racehorse ownership and she is also now enjoying her more hands-on involvement with the club’s racing side of the business.

King is currently involved in her first horse ownership.

“James my husband comes from a family with a racing background and he has had a great influence on me,” King said.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for racing and being involved in it now at the coalface is very exciting.

“We are incredibly lucky to have the board we do overseeing our Clifford Park racing.

“Our chairman Kent Woodford and deputy Allan Gee live, breathe and bleed this place.

“I’ve still got things to learn and with people like Woody, Allan and committee people like Anthony Collins I have some great leaders.

“It’s a new era here at the club.

“Our barns are at 100% capacity and all our facilities are going ahead with more to happen shortly.

“It’s a huge responsibility being in charge of one of Toowoomba’s biggest assets.

“But the club’s future looks great and I’m thrilled to be able to carry on the work so many people have done before me.”