Meet the new RACQ directors

Mark and Richard were appointed to the RACQ Limited board in recognition of the specialist skills and experience they bring to the board and organisation, and Liz was elected by members to represent South East Queensland at October’s Annual General Meeting. We asked each of them about their background and their visions for RACQ:

Richard Umbers
Appointed RACQ director

What attracted you to RACQ?

RACQ has an extraordinary heritage in supporting communities across Queensland. It has a strong sense of purpose, and is a well-run, professional business dedicated to its members.

What are the skills and experiences you’re excited to be leveraging through your role on the board?

RACQ is a member-focused organisation, and I believe I can use my experience working in customer-facing roles throughout my career to help the Club to strengthen its connection to members, and to execute on the Club’s vision to help Queenslanders move and live safely, securely, and sustainably.

As we look to the future, what do you hope RACQ achieves in the digital space?

There are two clear opportunities – one is the way we utilise technology and data to run the business better, to be more efficient and effective behind the scenes, and to have a better understanding of our members’ needs.

This means our systems are better and easier for our team members to use, which can be very empowering, and that we are better placed to deliver the right products and services to our members.

The second aspect is how we use technology and data to improve the way we engage with our members, making us easier to deal with, and more effective in our response.

Members should be able to engage with us in a number of ways – phone, website, digital app, or even social media and receive the same high standard of service.

What do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Queensland in the near to long term?

Queensland’s exposure to climate change and the impact this has on communities and individuals is a key challenge.

As the State’s largest club, we need to ensure we’re doing the right thing to help our members. This includes helping members through the energy transition and the shift to electric vehicles.

Regardless of the type of car our members want to drive – petrol, electric or hybrid – we are well positioned to provide advice and support.

The 2032 Olympics is an incredible opportunity for Queensland, with implications across our transport infrastructure. RACQ can advocate on behalf of our members and be a strong and positive voice as we plan for this event, and for the long-term future of Queensland.

Mark Rearick
Appointed RACQ director

What attracted you to RACQ?

I have spent my entire career working in the mobility sector and most of that time with Ford. The directorship with RACQ offered me the opportunity to play a role in making a real difference in the future mobility landscape and helping Queenslanders transition to EVs, autonomous vehicles and new exciting technologies.

What are the skills and experiences you’re excited to be leveraging through your role on the board?

There are many strategic opportunities for RACQ right now following the transition of the insurance business (to IAG). I hope to leverage my experience working as a chief strategy officer to help the organisation think about the way we further support our members into the future.

Our solar business is a great example of thinking differently – where RACQ offers a service that supports the transition to EVs.

Additionally, through my role as Chair of the People and Purpose Committee I hope to look at ways for RACQ to be even more purposeful.

As we look to the future, what do you hope RACQ achieves in the mobility space?

We are a leading example for member-based organisations and automotive clubs around the world in bringing real value for our members across the mobility ecosystem.

RACQ is focused on assisting members in the transition to EVs, which includes the installation of solar panels and home batteries for clean-energy home charging.

Our partnership with Evie also supports the installation of charging stations across all of Queensland. Lastly, we have the opportunity to work in partnership with government and other stakeholders to reduce road congestion.

What do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Queensland in the near to long term?

Road safety is a key challenge for Queensland and remains a big focus for the organisation and our board in how we make our State and roads safer.

The 2032 Olympics also present a once in a generation opportunity to look at the transport infrastructure required to manage the Games but also the projected population growth of Queensland.

Technology could play a real role in managing congestion, looking at how we can tap into vehicle connectivity and infrastructure. Organisations, like RACQ, can play a big role in helping to shape this.

Liz Savage
RACQ elected Director for South East Queensland

What attracted you to RACQ?

I’ve always admired what RACQ stands for – helping Queenslanders when they need it most and giving back to our communities.

I admire its proud history of trust and advocacy, and the fact that it’s a member-owned organisation that genuinely works for the people it serves. The idea of contributing to an organisation with such a strong, community-minded purpose really appealed to me.

What are the skills and experiences you’re excited to be bringing to the board?

I’ve spent more than 30 years leading teams and organisations through growth and change, mostly in travel and tourism, and serving on boards that focus on governance,
people and purpose.

I’m excited to bring that experience in customer and member strategy to help RACQ evolve while staying true to what matters most – delivering value and care for members.

As we look to the future, what do you hope RACQ achieves in the area of member value?

Member value means different things to different people, but at its heart it’s about being there when it counts and making everyday life that bit easier.

I’d love to see RACQ build even stronger connections with members right across Queensland, and continue to grow beyond our roots in assistance, insurance and banking – expanding into everyday services that our members value, both at home and on the road.

What do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Queensland in the near to long term?

Queensland’s growing fast, and that brings both opportunities and pressures.

We’ve got huge potential in areas like clean energy, transport and tourism, but we also need to make sure regional communities aren’t left behind and that we stay prepared for natural disasters.

I think RACQ can play an important part in helping Queenslanders stay safe, connected and ready for the future.