2019 Board Appointments

As you are aware, the West Adelaide Football Club is currently undergoing a leadership restructuring process to improve its operations both on and off the field through a best practice board structure.

The Nominations Committee appointed by the Board in 2018 has now completed the process of identifying the five people who will be nominated to the WAFC Board at the Annual General Meeting to be held on February 25. As part of the process, the current Board Members agreed unanimously to step down at the AGM to allow the formation of a new board to lead the Club forward. The process could not have progressed without the support of the current Board who recognised a need for a more progressive and diverse skill set to improve the off-field performance and thrive as a successful Club in the future.

Therefore we are pleased to announce the appointment of the five nominated Directors:

Mr Murray Forbes (President)

Murray has recently retired from his role as the Dealer Principal at City Mazda, a position he held since 2008. During his time at City Mazda, Murray earned several national awards and provided valuable support to West Adelaide Football Club as the naming rights sponsor to the stadium. During his time in the automotive industry, Murray has developed exceptional knowledge and understanding of company finances and corporate governance. Murray is a founding Member of the Wolfpack.

Term: 3 years

Mr Graeme Barton (Football Director)

A past player, former President and Life Member of the Westonians, Graeme has served as a West Adelaide Football Club Director for 10 years. Graeme has been an active contributor to the Club over many years, including the establishment of the History group and acting as the Player Advocate in tribunal hearings. In his role as the Football Director, Graeme has developed strong relationships with the coaching staff and playing group which will play an integral role in the Club’s future success. In his professional life Graeme served as an Assistant Commissioner of Police for ten years. Graeme is a Member of the Wolfpack.

Term: 1 year

Ms Jacqui Rose (People, Culture & Governance Director)

Jacqui has extensive experience as a leader in the mining sector through a variety of roles with BHP at Olympic Dam. With expertise in change management, risk management, governance and project management, Jacqui will no doubt add valuable skills to the West Adelaide Football Club Board. She also has experience in community sporting environment through her involvement with the Roxby Downs Sporting Club.

Term: 2 years

Mr Nick Karasoulos (Marketing and Commercial Sponsorship Director)

As Director of one of the largest Harvey Norman franchises in Australia, Nick has been a fantastic supporter of West Adelaide Football Club over many years. His passion for the Club is without question and his expertise in marketing and sponsorship will be of significant value to the Club during his tenure on the Board. Nick has lead his franchises to many national and global awards whilst also serving in national management and strategy committees. Nick’s extensive business and media connections will be of significant value to West Adelaide during his term on the Board.

Term: 2 years

Mr Mark Goddard (Finance Director)

Mark has a strong banking and finance background developed during a 30 year career leading and managing businesses. As a Founding Director of corporate advisory firm Equity & Advisory Limited, Mark has guided large businesses through period of significant change and growth. More recently working as a private consultant, Mark has gained extensive experience as a member of the Executive Leadership team at the Weeks Group of Companies.

Term: 3 years

The Nominations Committee also appointed John Levy as the Honorary Club Solicitor and Chair of the Governance Committee (a sub-committee of the Board). John has been a loyal servant to the Club as a Director and will continue his support in this non-director role.

These five nominated Directors have been appointed with their terms commencing at the closure of the Annual General Meeting. Candidates who were unsuccessful in the process conducted by the Nominations Committee may still apply for the two Member Elected Director roles. Applications for these roles are open until Monday, February 11.

Again, thank you for your ongoing support of West Adelaide Football Club and we look forward to a successful 2019.

Ben Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer