The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced the appointment of Mr Douglas So as the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal and Corporate Secretariat (Designate) from 1 December 2009 and to assume office on 1 January 2010, after a vigorous process of benchmarking internal and external candidates.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasised the important role played by this new position in bringing the Charities function to greater heights through better alignment with the Club's strategies and core businesses, as well as enhancing the Club's contributions to the community.

"Douglas has been instrumental in supporting the Club achieve a number of new milestones including obtaining the regulated football betting license, the tax reforms, and in overseas business opportunities. He has gained the trust and respect of the Club Stewards and his fellow colleagues with high quality deliverables and outstanding services,"said Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges.

Mr Douglas So joined the Club in July 2000, initially as Legal Counsel. He was promoted to Head of Legal Services in October 2004 and shortly afterwards his scope of responsibilities had expanded with the addition of the Corporate Secretariat role. He was promoted to Director, Legal Services and Corporate Secretariat in January 2008. The new Division will encompass a portfolio including Charities, Legal Services and Corporate Secretariat.