Management Team

Mr Brock Gilmour is the Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) where he oversees all activities conducted by the RAS. His strong background in venue and financial management, business analysis and strategic planning, along with over 20 years’ experience at the RAS.

Brock holds a Bachelor of Science and Mathematics (University of New South Wales), a Bachelor of Economics and Accounting, is a Certified Practising Accountant and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Brock is a dynamic and results-oriented leader and has a thorough understanding of all RAS business operations. 

Mrs Alexis Gachon has been serving the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW for over 14 years in executive administration roles, and for the past 10 years as Executive Assistant to the President and Chief Executive. This position extends to supporting the RAS Council, the governing body of the organisation, which consists of 54 Councillors and 48 Honorary Councillors. Alexis’ work is integral to the oversight of the Constitution and Corporate Governance Statement for the Society.

Core to her role, Alexis manages all official visits by members of the Royal Family, Heads of State, Government Officials, and is accustomed to managing highly sensitive, confidential information. These endeavours require high performance and strict adherence to planning and protocols at very public and visible levels. Alexis operates in these capacities with great aplomb, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. 

Mr Darryl Jeffrey is the General Manager of Sydney Showground, the events and venue business of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), as well as the President of the Sydney Olympic Park Business Association. As General Manager, Darryl is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of all departments of this world-class venue, delivering over 100 national and international events each year, including music festivals, sporting events, exhibitions, and trade shows. 

Darryl holds qualifications in Business (Management), Procurement & Contracting, and Transport & Distribution, and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Prior to his current role, Darryl gained extensive leadership and operational experience from a career spanning more than 19 years in the military. Since 2008, he has channelled those skills into a successful career within the events, leisure, and sports venue industry.

Mr Ronald Lee has served as General Manager, Finance and Administration, since 2010. Responsible for the financial management and reporting of the Society, Ron also oversees multiple business arms of the RAS including the Society’s Information Technology requirements, the Australasian Animal Registry (AAR) and administrations of the RAS Membership and various RAS agricultural competitions, all of which are critical components of the RAS’ overall operations.

Prior to joining the RAS, Ron held senior financial positions with ASX-listed companies in the energy industry, garnering extensive experience in financial management and reporting. Ron is a Certified Practising Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business degree.

Having commenced her career in the UK, Ms Rachel Saunders emigrated to Australia where she completed her law degree and has been serving the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) in various legal capacities since 2004. In 2011, Rachel was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and began her position as General Counsel to the RAS. To complement her expanding responsibilities as General Counsel, and to specialise as a Corporate Lawyer, Rachel subsequently earned a Master of Applied Law (In-house Practice) majoring in project management and enterprise risk management.

With a passion for corporate governance, Rachel accepted the role of Company Secretary of the RAS Foundation Limited in 2016, which motivated further study including the Company Directors Course, and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance. She was admitted as a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia in 2020. Rachel also provides training and mentoring to corporate lawyers in her capacity as NSW Representative of the Association of Corporate Counsel. This international association is at the forefront of emerging challenges and practices for in-house legal departments.  

With over 20 years at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) in various capacities, Mr Murray Wilton has served as General Manager of Agriculture and the Sydney Royal Easter Show since 2013. With expertise in multi-level stakeholder engagement and the proven ability to manage complex budgets across all business units resulting in year-on-year growth, Murray specialises in delivering business objectives that drive the strategic direction of the RAS.

Additionally, Murray has over 23 years of experience in broadcast media, for stations including Radio 2GB, 2UE, 2CC and 2GN. This extensive communication experience, combined with his senior management capabilities galvanises his comprehensive skill in business, specifically his ability to generate both new ideas and new business opportunities, forecasting all possibilities and outcomes. Murray is the recipient of the Food Media Award for promoting the industry, the Sir William McKell Award for reporting on the environment, and the Department of Fair Trading Minister’s Award, for contribution to raising awareness on air.