The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (10 February) the appointment of Mr James Bidlake as Executive Director, Legal and Compliance (EDLC) with effect from 24 February 2025. Mr Bidlake will succeed the current EDLC, Ms Shella Ng, who has decided to leave the Club on 5 May 2025 after completing her contract.

Mr Bidlake will be a member of the Board of Management and report directly to the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

As EDLC, Mr Bidlake will lead the Legal and Compliance Division with responsibility for the legal and compliance activities of the Club and its subsidiaries, and for helping to protect the Club’s rights, brand and reputation. He will also act as the Company Secretary of the Club.

Mr Bidlake is a seasoned legal counsel with more than 25 years of legal and regulatory compliance experience in Asia. Prior to joining the Club, Mr Bidlake was the Group General Counsel and Executive Vice President for DFS Group responsible for managing the legal and compliance risk across the global business. He previously held legal leadership positions at Morgan Stanley and also worked at Citigroup Investment Banking Division in Hong Kong and Simmons & Simmons in London and Hong Kong.

Mr Bidlake holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from Exeter University, UK. He also completed the Common Professional Examination (CPE) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) from The University of Law, UK.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations.  The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.