Gerry Ryan (businessman)

Gerry Ryan, OAM is an Australian businessman, investor, horse racing tycoon and cycling enthusiast. In 2014 he was listed by on the BRW Rich 200 as Australia's 148th richest person with a wealth of 340 million AUD.[1] The owner and founder of Jayco Australia, as well as wineries, resorts and theatrical company Global Creatures, he is also a keen supporter of numerous sports. He became one of 5 inaugural inductees to the Victorian Caravan Industry Hall of Fame in 2012[2] and he was inducted into the Victorian Government's Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2014 for his contributions to manufacturing excellence.[3]

Sports

Ryan owned a partial interest in soccer club Brisbane Roar FC, which he has since sold.[4] He is one of the co-owners of NRL team Melbourne Storm since 2013 along with Bart Campbell, Matt Tripp and Michael Watt. He was previously Club Director until 2010,[5] and he has been a board member of St Kilda Football Club in the AFL code.[6]

Ryan's interest in cycling began in 1992 when he invested in Kathy Watt, paying for her to attend the Barcelona Olympics where she won two medals.[7] He is now part owner and founder of the Orica-GreenEDGE Cycling team,[8] and was President of Cycling Australia for 2013,[9] stepping down in 2014.

He has been the primary sponsor of the Jayco Australian Opals since 2010 and the Dandenong Jayco Rangers since 1997 in Women's Basketball. He was awarded the Australian Olympic Committee's Order of Merit for contributions to sport in 2013.[10]

He was half owner of 2012 Melbourne Cup winner Americain,[11] and remains sole owner of 2012 Bendigo Cup winner Puissance de Lune.[12]

References

  1. ↑ "BRW Rich 200 list 2014: 148. Gerry Ryan". Business Review Weekly. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "2012 Inductees into the Victorian Caravan Industry Hall of Fame". experiencecaravanningandcamping.com.au. Experience Caravanning. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Honour Roll, Manufacturing Hall of Fame". business.vic.gov.au. State Government of Victoria. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  4. ↑ "Shayne Bannan's vision combined with Gerry Ryan's 'deep pockets' are changing elite racing". The Australian. 15 January 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "Melbourne Storm co-owner Gerry Ryan a fan of club's culture". Daily Telegraph. June 7, 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  6. ↑ "Ryan bags footy codes over drugs". Sydney Morning Herald. 20 December 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "Is Gerry Ryan the right man for the Cycling Australia presidency?". Cycling Tips. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "GERRY RYAN". http://www.abc.net.au/sundayprofile/stories/3521441.htm'' (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 8 June 2012.
  9. ↑ "Cycling Australia appoints longtime cycling backer Gerry Ryan as new president Read more: http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/15799/Cycling-Australia-appoints-longtime-cycling-backer-Gerry-Ryan-as-new-president.aspx#ixzz3I4GQQGKp". VeloNation. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "RON HARVEY AND GERRY RYAN TO BE HONOURED BY AOC". basketball.net.au. Basketball Australia. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  11. ↑ "Americain owner Gerry Ryan's a good bloke who deserved to win". Herald Sun. 7 November 2010. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  12. ↑ "Jayco boss Gerry Ryan's Puissance de Lune wins $250,000 Bendigo Cup". News.com.au. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2014.