Change Sport
Franz retired on Friday 9 July 2010. Equestrian Australia (EA) has lost a dedicated and loyal servant who has been part of the fabric of EA/EFA for many more years than his eight as CEO. Not that EA expects to lose Franz altogether for there is little doubt that he will find a niche for himself somewhere in and around EA and its activities and whatever that may be, he will invariably do it well.
Franz came to Australia from Germany in 1970 and has been part of our equestrian scene since the early 1980s. Together with his wife Toni, he has “created” the Sydney CDI, one of Australia’s most prestigious and important Dressage events, and directed the world’s first combined League Finals for the FEI World Cups of Dressage and Jumping. As Equestrian Competition Manager for Sydney 2000, Franz had a major role to play in the triumphant equestrian effort that was the Horsley Park venue and the attendant equestrian competition.
During his early EFA days, Franz also served as Treasurer on the Dressage NSW Committee, was delegate to the National Dressage Committee, became Treasurer of the NSW Branch, when it almost collapsed, and built it up again, was a delegate to the Federal Council and later member of the National Board, was instrumental in the preparation of the first EFA Development Plan and also the appointment of a High Performance Manager, and drafted many national policies and other initiatives.
Franz officially joined the staff of EA in 2002 when EFA National was ‘in a spot of bother’. Franz answered the call of then Chair, Russ Withers, to help out and at considerable personal cost, Franz filled the breach by becoming our temporary CEO camped out in our then Adelaide HQ.
At the time, in 2002, it was intended that Franz’s appointment would be temporary only, the ship would be righted, and EA would sail on when a new, permanent CEO was appointed. That was not to be and the EA Board was quick to see in Franz a dedication to the task and much needed experience, administrative skills and sporting professionalism, and Franz came on board on a permanent basis. EA has not faltered since with Franz leading us ever onwards and upwards, including taking the national office to its present Sydney home.
Franz has served with distinction under four EA Chairs in his eight years as CEO with us - first with Russ Withers, then by Geoff Sinclair and followed by Mary Seefried and finally myself, for the last 6 months or so. Each of us has, I am sure, enjoyed a successful working relationship with Franz.
Some of the key benefits introduced while Franz was CEO include, as I said, getting EA back into shape financially, moving us to Sydney, establishing a national database, introducing an interactive web with integrated Branch and club web sites, overseeing the introduction of a new and progressive governance regime and associated constitution, the NCAS and education programs, placing our rider and coaches’ insurance arrangements on sound and commercial footing and strengthening our ties with the FEI by placing with them on a mature basis.
Over the period of Franz’s tenure, EA has developed as a truly elite professional sporting organisation. We are not only recognised as a leader by the various equine industry bodies in Australia, but we are now recognised as such by governments. Franz has overseen the strengthening of our relationship with the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Olympic Committee. He earned a real feather in our cap when through his own efforts we were elected into full membership of Animal Health Australia (AHA) with the support of our big brothers, the national Thoroughbred racing associations and harness racing. That we are the only individual recreational horse body to be admitted to membership of AHA speaks volumes for the work done by Franz.
As far as international sport is concerned, Franz has certainly left his mark, building on relations established during his time in SOCOG. During last year’s FEI General Assembly, it became quickly clear to me that Franz is held in very high esteem both by the President and by many, many of the leaders that were at the Assembly and I think that this was certainly a great compliment to Franz but also something of which we in Australia and as a Federation shuld be very proud.
I thank Franz for his extraordinary efforts as CEO and wish him all the best for his retirement, from full-time work I hasten to add, as Franz will continue to work for the sport, hopefully for a long while.
Paul Cargill
Chairman
Source: EA
