Hong Kong Jockey Club Appoints James Bidlake as Executive Director

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has announced the appointment of Mr. James Bidlake as its new Executive Director, Legal and Compliance (EDLC), effective 24 February 2025. He will succeed Ms. Shella Ng, who will leave the Club on 5 May 2025 after completing her contract.

In his new role, Mr. Bidlake will be a member of the Board of Management, reporting directly to Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer. He will oversee the Legal and Compliance Division, ensuring that the Club and its subsidiaries meet all legal and compliance requirements, while safeguarding the organization’s rights, brand, and reputation. Additionally, Mr. Bidlake will serve as the Company Secretary for the Club.

Mr. Bidlake brings over 25 years of legal and regulatory compliance experience in Asia. Before joining the HKJC, he served as Group General Counsel and Executive Vice President for DFS Group, where he managed the legal and compliance risks across the global business. He has also held senior legal positions at Morgan Stanley and worked at Citigroup’s Investment Banking Division in Hong Kong, as well as Simmons & Simmons in both London and Hong Kong.

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