James Strong AO has been announced as the new Non-Executive Chairman of V8 Supercars.

He replaces long-serving Executive Chairman Tony Cochrane, who announced in September that he would leave the position after 16 years driving the sport.

Strong will join current Directors Andrew Gray (Archer Capital), Brad Lancken (Archer Capital), Roland Dane (TeamVodafone), and Brad Jones (Team BOC) and Chief Executive David Malone.

V8 Supercar Chief Executive David Malone announced Strong’s appointment today.

“James has an impeccable record in corporate governance and administration for two decades and brings to V8 Supercars a wealth of experience,” he said.

“Aside from being a pre-eminent Australian corporate leader, James also has a deep understanding in the business of motorsport having been on the board of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and a current Director of Dorna Sports which manages MotoGP worldwide.

“James will help guide V8 Supercars through its next growth phase and his corporate experience and motorsport knowledge will be invaluable as the Board and management team embark on that process.”

In addition to being the former Chairman of Woolworths, Strong is currently Chairman of the organising committee for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Chairman of Kathmandu Holdings and a Director of Qantas.

He has also been Chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts, and was CEO of Qantas from 1993 to 2001.

Strong recently stepped down as Woolworths Chairman and as a Director of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation after long and distinguished service to both companies. He has done so to concentrate on his new portfolios; which include V8 Supercars.

“All forms of motorsport are a passion of mine and I have been honoured to work for many years with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and in my current role with MotoGP through Dorna,” Strong said.

“V8 Supercars is without doubt the leading motorsport category in this region and a force worldwide. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of the V8 Supercars development and growth.

“The sport is in wonderful shape for the future and I want to play an active part in the next period of evolution; the potential is unlimited.”

V8 Supercars Director Andrew Gray said: “we are thrilled that James has agreed to join us and are excited about the wisdom and strategic insights he will add to the pursuit of our growth plans.”

TeamVodafone Principal and V8 Supercars Director Roland Dane said: “James brings outstanding corporate credentials and a clear passion for motorsport into our business. The race teams are delighted to welcome him onto the Board of V8 Supercars.”

Strong is a keen sportsman in many fields with a passion for mountain climbing and motorcycles.

He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2006 for his services to business and commerce, particularly in the aviation, insurance and retail fields, and to the arts as an administrator and philanthropist.

His achievements have been recognised and include Australian Centenary Medal for contributions to aviation and the arts, the Sir Charles McGrath Award for Excellence in Marketing, the Monash University and Mount Eliza Alumni Award for Leadership and the Smithsonian Institute’s Laureate Hall of Fame Award for Commercial Air Transport.