Experienced executive Lea Porteous to lead Hawkesbury management team

Hawkesbury Race Club has made an internal appointment to replace James Heddo as its chief executive.

Long-serving executive Lea Porteous will fill the vacancy created by Heddo’s imminent departure after four years serving as the CEO of Hawkesbury, which remains under the control of an administrator.

Porteous has spent more than 23 years with the club and most recently served as chief operating officer, overseeing finance, operations, racing administration, hospitality and commercial activities, including the Hawkesbury Race Club Motel.

Heddo intends to relocate back to the NSW Central Coast, where he has secured part-time employment as the general manager of Central Coast Basketball.

The CEO role was widely advertised following Heddo’s resignation, which was tendered on June 1.

Hawkesbury’s administrator, Jo Moore, said Porteous’s experience and long association with the club made her the ideal candidate to lead its next phase.

“I am pleased to announce Lea’s appointment as the club’s new CEO and am looking forward to continuing to work with her as she puts her own stamp on the next phase of the club’s growth and development,” Moore said in a statement.

“She will be a familiar and trusted face for not only our staff but for all the club’s, members, sponsors, trainers and industry participants.”

Hawkesbury has been in administration since December 2021.

Heddo also endorsed Porteous’ appointment, believing Porteous has the knowledge and ability to enact the club’s vision for the future.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together during my tenure and I look forward to supporting the transition and cheering on Lea and the club’s future success,” he said.

Porteous, who starts as CEO on July 18, believes Hawkesbury has a bright future as a key club in NSW.

“Having spent more than two decades at the club, I am proud of the club’s history and its impact in the racing industry and the local Hawkesbury community,” she said.

“I would like to sincerely thank HRC administrator Jo Moore and Racing NSW for the confidence they have placed in me and acknowledge James Heddo’s contribution as well as his guidance and mentorship.”