GOLD Circle is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Patrick Loker as commercial director.

GOLD Circle is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Patrick Loker as commercial director.

Loker has vast experience in commercial management in the information technology, banking and communications sector, and has previously served as commercial executive manager at Gold Circle.

He will take up his appointment after returning from Dublin, where he is currently a senior management consultant to the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Loker's appointment completes the final phase of executive restructuring at Gold Circle.

It follows the appointment of Graeme Hawkins as horse racing executive and acting chief executive - and Lawrence Nachito as financial director.

Joint chairman of the board of directors, John Bescoby, said the three recent appointments have placed Gold Circle in a strong position to face the many challenges ahead, following the restructuring of the company into three distinct divisions.

The three executive directors will lead the restructuring of their respective divisions in line with Gold Circle's strategy to counter the impact of current national and global economic conditions, which have had a serious impact on the company's revenue.

"The board is certain that we have three extremely competent people to lead the company into the future," Bescoby said.

"They will be supported by our strong management team and our capable staff to achieve the goals we have set," he said.

"We are now on a firm footing to tackle the challenges ahead, and we are confident of maintaining our successful position in the thoroughbred horseracing industry."