Glen Bourke appointed CEO of Hamilton Island

by Rob Mundle on 7 Feb 2008 Glenn Bourke, the former CEO for the Volvo Ocean Race round the world and the man credited with delivering the world’s best ever Olympic sailing regatta, is to become the new Chief Executive Officer for Australia’s premier tropical island destination, Hamilton Island.

Announcing the appointment the Chairman of Hamilton Island Enterprises, Mr Sandy Oatley, said he was delighted that Glenn Bourke had decided to take up the position.

“Glenn will bring to Hamilton Island exceptional business acumen along with proven experience in the successful organisation and presentation of major international events,” Sandy Oatley said. “The island is enjoying remarkable growth and Glenn’s ability will further enhance our plans for it to become a truly world class tourist destination and residential precinct.”

Glenn Bourke said that he was enthusiastic about working with the Oatley family and taking on the many ventures that will come with his appointment.

“I am very much looking forward to the opportunity and challenge that the Oatley family has afforded me at Hamilton Island,” Glenn Bourke said. “I have always enjoyed the camaraderie that comes through working with large teams that hold great vision and clear ambitions, and my role at Hamilton Island promises that.

“The island is going through an impressive phase of development that includes the secluded ultra-luxury destination, qualia, the new 18-hole golf course which is nearing completion, and major upgrades to existing accommodation. The highly innovative new Hamilton Island Yacht Club and associated luxury villa precinct is also well advanced.

“My new position will also bring a significant change in life that I am really looking forward to. I will no longer be travelling the globe continually, as I have been for the past seven years. Instead every day will see me appreciating the sheer beauty of this tropical island and the magnificent region that surrounds it.”

After coordinating all aspects of the sailing regatta at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Glenn Bourke became the CEO of Australia’s leading ocean racing yacht club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, in Sydney. His business and sailing talents then led to him being appointed CEO of Germany’s Illbruck Challenge which won the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-2002, and the following year Volvo lured him into the position of CEO for the actual event. In that role he propelled the race into an exciting new era and reinforced its status as the world’s most successful long distance ocean race.

As a yachtsman Glenn Bourke has won seven world sailing championships including, remarkably, three consecutive world titles in the Olympic Laser dinghy class, in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He represented Australia in the Finn dinghy class at the 1992 Olympics, has sailed in the America’s Cup and Admiral’s Cup, and was named Australian Yachtsman of the Year in 1989 and 1990.

Glenn will be based on the island and be responsible to the Oatley family for all island operations. He will take up his appointment in March.