Louise Dean - photo supplied

Racing Tauranga has appointed a new  General Manager, Louise Dean.  Andrew Love had been in the job for 18 months but has chosen not to extend his fixed-term contract. 

"I have achieved a lot, but the position now needs someone with a different vision and skillset to take the club to the next level, and I am not that person,” he said.  

Love will, however, remain with Racing Tauranga to look after sponsorship and the function and events centre.  Club Chairman Frank Vosper said the Board is very excited about Dean’s appointment, as she will bring a fresh approach with plenty of new and exciting ideas for the industry to move forward.   

Among other qualifications Dean holds an MBA and has enjoyed an extensive business career working at an executive level in corporates, both in Tauranga and Auckland. Most importantly she is very passionate about the racing industry, having been involved in the club for several years and being a previous racehorse owner. 

In her spare time, she is currently re-training one of Jim Pender’s retired racehorses, Adriatic Pearl, for a new life off the track. Horse welfare is important to Dean and she recognises the industry needs to be better at sharing the stories of not only how well horses are treated during their careers but how they lead fulfilling lives after racing.  

Dean and Love’s connection with Tauranga goes beyond their working life and was cemented at the races three years ago, with the couple being married on-course.