Today marks the release of this years BRW Rich List. As usual, a Packer is at the top of the list. But for how long? The iron ore industry is certainly stirring things up. Of the billionaires, 9 are products of the mining industry.

Strong economy, high-demand for iron ore by the Chinese and activity in the financial service industry are the key drivers behind the growth of the 2007 list and its participants wallets.

“The resources boom, driven by China’s modernisation, keeps setting records for the price of the nation’s key commodities, with the price of iron ore, in particular, surging 153 per cent since 2003.” (see: news.com.au)

Top 4:-

James Packer -$7.25 billion (media and gaming)

Frank Lowy -$6.51 billion (property)

Richard Pratt -$5.4 billion (packaging)

Gina Rinehart -$4 billion (mining)

Wow, two high-profile resignations in two days. Yesterday it was Margaret Jackson, chairwoman of Qantas. Today, CEO of Nine and president of the Collingwood football club, Eddie Maguire. Controversial are they both.

Margaret Jackson has been getting plenty of time in the news of late with regards to the Qantas take-over. Analysts have suggested that she step down and finally the pressure has proven too much. Personally, I haven’t followed the stories in the Qantas bids. I wonder, where-to-next for Ms. Jackson.

Eddie Maguire: was he ever worthy or qualified for the CEO position of Nine? He’s entrepreneurial, has run a successful media company, has hosted a couple of successful TV programs -is that CEO material? Perhaps. A few people I know, Collingwood supports no less, think he is top dog. Me, well I just can’t see a man of his on-air talent as the chief of a commercial TV network.

“He says his time as CEO was an “amazing journey” but is “very excited” about his future with the network, which will include production and on-air responsibilities.” (As reported by ABC.)

I really feel that Eddie will be better off in an on-air/production capacity. After all, that’s where he has the most experience. I could see this coming all along.