Shaw and Partners is today, proud to announce the recent appointment of ex-Australian Sprint Kayaking Olympian, Jim Walker as Manager of the Shaw and Partners Race Team.

As an Australian Finalist in sprint kayaking in the 1996 Olympic Games, Australian Champion Surf Life Saver and current over 40 world ocean ski champion, Jim Walker has a wealth of experience on the water. His CV boasts esteemed coaching positions including Head Coach of the Australian U/23 Kayak team and NSW Surf Life Saving Head Coach, NSW Institute of Sport Head Coach 2006-2009 and Head Ski coach of North Bondi Surf Club.

The Shaw and Partners Race Team was formed in January 2018 as a means of consolidating Shaw’s various sponsorships of individual athletes.

Sponsored by Shaw and Partners Financial Services, in conjunction with legendary Bennett Paddles, top ocean surf-ski performance wear label Vaikobi and internationally renowned sunglasses brand Maui Jim, the team is made up of:

• Ocean Surf-Ski ICF and 2 x Molokai World Champion Cory Hill
• World Champion Stand Up Paddleboarder Michael Booth
• 2017 World Series Champion, 2 x Molokai Champion and 5 x NZ Queen of the Harbour Champion Rachel Clarke and;
• Current 3^rd ranked World Surf Ski Paddler Mackenzie Hynard

Ocean racing is a gruelling, endurance sport involving calculated risk taking and careful planning. Partnering with brands that provide the tools for success, while equally standing for and valuing quality, commitment and longevity parallels nicely with Shaw and Partners’ Financial Services offering. Co-CEO Earl Evans remarked that it is these same qualities that provide a roadmap for financial health and success.

The appointment of Jim Walker comes in the wake of a successful 2017/2018 season on the water, seeing the team both defend and bring home numerous championships and world titles. As the sport of Ocean Racing continues to grow both domestically and abroad, so too does the success of the Shaw and Partners Race Team.

As Manager of the Shaw and Partners Race Team, Jim hopes to broaden the knowledge base of the athletes both on and off the water, uplifting and refining the credibility and professionalism of the Shaw and Partners Race Team brand, whilst continuing to build brand awareness in a very attractive demographic.

The move marries well with Shaw and Partners’ extensive involvement in the ocean racing and Surf Life Saving communities via its sponsorship of the Australian Ocean Racing national paddle series (AORS) and the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.

Through these sponsorships, Shaw and Partners Financial Services intends to promote active community based involvement, honouring their commitment to give back to the communities within which they live and operate. By adopting a focus on empowering and supporting rising talent; Shaw and Partners aims to support individuals and organisations by providing a framework for them to succeed in their respective fields and pursuits.