Raymond Spencer

Raymond Spencer is a South Australian businessman, chairman of South Australia's Economic Development Board and chairman of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). He returned to his hometown of Adelaide in 2009 after living and working in the USA, Europe and India for 35 years.[1] He is an investor in and director of private companies, is a member of the investment committee of three US-based venture capital funds and is a director of Rubicon Technology. Spencer is also Chairman of Capgemini’s Financial Services Global Business Unit and Signostics Limited and has acted as an advisor to corporations and not-for-profit groups.[2] Spencer has advocated for tax reform since his appointment to the Economic Development Board,[3] and been investigated by ICAC following the Gillman land sale controversy.[4]

Gillman land sale

In 2013, Spencer received a proposal from former Santos chairman Stephen Gerlach of Adelaide Capital Partners for the purchase and use of a 407 hectare site of public land at Gillman in South Australia. The land was sold for $122 million without being put to tender, and has since become the subject of an investigation by South Australia's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC). Premier Jay Weatherill alleged that Spencer brought him the proposal and asked for it to be "entertained". Spencer later attended a meeting between ACP and the Premier, and was subsequently contacted by ACP to discuss the possibility of fast-tracking the process.[4]

Education

Spencer studied law at the University of Adelaide. In 2013 he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Arizona.[1]

Personal life

Spencer was born in Adelaide, South Australia.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "About Us". Economic Development Board of South Australia. Retrieved 2015-04-02.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Mr Raymond Spencer". SAHMRI. Retrieved 2015-04-02.
  3. ↑ Harmsen, Nick (2014-05-19). "GST and wider tax debate urged by Economic Development Board chairman Raymond Spencer". ABC. Retrieved 2015-04-02.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Owen, Michael (2015-02-05). "Man who proposed land deal to Weatherill has new version". The Australian. Retrieved 2015-04-02.