[4] Messara formerly chaired the boards of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (2007–2008)[5] and Aushorse Marketing (2001–2008)[6] John Messara was born in Alexandria, Egypt and emigrated in 1958 to Sydney, Australia where he was educated at St Ignatius College, and the University of New South Wales.
Messara began his career with Edwin V. Nixon & Partners (Arthur Young & Co), chartered accountants, before joining the firm of Ralph King & Yuill, Member of the Sydney Stock Exchange, and establishing its European Branch in Geneva, Switzerland.
He returned to Australia, was elected a Member of the Sydney Stock Exchange in 1973 and established J. M. Messara & Co., Stockbrokers.
In 1993 he took up a position as executive chairman of the then Stock Exchange-listed company, Arrowfield Group Ltd (formerly Australian Racing & Breeding Stables).
[8] Through his leadership and management of Arrowfield Stud, Messara: Messara's work within, and on behalf of the Australian thoroughbred industry has been recognised with several awards including: recognising "distinguished horsemen and horsewomen for lifelong contributions to Thoroughbred racing."