New CEO for RASWA

Mr Cooper, who is currently the RASWA chief operating officer, will take on the position in May, following the retirement of Martin Molony.

With a background in the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, Mr Cooper joined the RASWA in 2011 as commercial manager responsible for all venue and event business

including contract management, leasing and commercial sites for the Perth Royal Show before taking on the role of chief operating officer overseeing asset management, strategic

planning and the development of a concept plan to secure the future of Claremont Showground.

RASWA president Hugh Harding said Mr Cooper was an experienced senior executive who understood the RASWA vision and the business and industry environment in which it operated.

"Over the past two and half years, Mr Cooper has been instrumental in the continued success of Claremont Showground as an important venue for community, cultural and trade

events as well as spearheading improvements to the Perth Royal Show," Mr Harding said.

"As CEO, Peter will be leading the RASWA through an exciting period of growth as we finalise a concept plan for future opportunities at Claremont Showground that will deliver a long-term

strategy and assist us to fulfil our objectives around agricultural industry support, education and community engagement."

Mr Cooper has an MBA from the University of Western Australia (2009) and has recently completed an MBEAM (Asset Engineering) also from UWA.

He has previously held senior positions with the Perth Market Authority, Westfield Pty Ltd and Sheraton Hotels and Resorts.

Mr Harding also acknowledged the contribution of retiring CEO Martin Molony who first joined the RASWA in 2000 as commercial manager before stepping into the top job in 2006.

"Mr Molony has guided the RASWA into a stable and strong era, continuously redefining the IGA Perth Royal Show and adding value to the commercial activities that underpin our operations," Mr Harding said.