Celebrating Michel Nairac's legacy: Two decades of leadership at Gold Circle

The "compassionate and resilient" Chief Executive Officer of Gold Circle, Michel Nairac bowed out after more than twenty years at the helm.

The softly-spoken Nairac retired last month after two decades in charge of the institution with a primary focus of promoting the thoroughbred horseracing, with wagering and gaming facilities being among its other interests.

During his tenure as the captain of the ship, he served under twelve different Chairpersons.

Throughout his time in leadership it’s said that Nairac was regarded as the proverbial glue that held the team together.

Nairac's astute leadership skills as CEO came powerfully to the fore when the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic emerged and compounded the challenges the company was already facing.

At that time, Nairac’s sole aim and concern was the preservation of jobs and keeping the company afloat.

“When Covid hit, with all the restrictions put in place by the Government, Michel's major concerns were always staff welfare and horse welfare, in equal measures, said Gold Circle's marketing executive, Steve Marshall. 

"His open door policy and the warm compassionate embrace of all who worked for Gold Circle, at whatever level, were hallmarks of his leadership style which earned him the respect and affection of employees,” said Marshall.

Some role players in the industry, who had the opportunity to work with Nairac, hailed the unique "easy touch" that he possessed as part of his skill-set that helped him to balance the need for a soft approach, when needed, and the necessary toughness when required.

Speaking exclusively to Daily News, Nairac described his time at Gold Circle as one of his most memorable and valuable moments in his career.

He said during his time the business helped him meet astounding men and women who impacted knowledge on him.

“I leave the company in good shape, and the next leadership will inherit a healthy ship. I am confident that they will take the company to greater heights.

"I will always be available to offer any advice should it be required. I’ve been working most of my life, so this business is the only thing I know,” he said.

On the Durban July phenomenon, Nairac said the event was the lifeblood of the industry and company, as it brought in masses of people and boosted the province’s economic growth.

“The Hollywoodbets Durban July is the only sporting event in South Africa that truly reflects Madiba's dream of a rainbow nation.

"It is very important for the industry, municipality, province and country”.

Born and raised in Mauritius, Nairac's love for horses and the sport of horseracing was sparked at an early age when he rode in amateur races on the Island. He did so with some degree of success and during his early teens, turned his attention to mentoring and teaching youngsters to ride and care for horses.

Nairac said mentoring has been a personal characteristic throughout his life, and he was always satisfied giving more than he ever expected to receive in return.

He highlighted that he arrived in South Africa in 1974 at the age of 19 with a view to completing his financial accounting studies in Durban.

However, due to financial constraints he encountered in 1979, Nairac decided to join a music group as lead singer called "Bive Grass", playing gigs in various pubs and clubs around the city.

Ever since he joined saddled up with Gold Circle's ranks, Nairac said he has been on song.

DAILY NEWS