The Bombers have welcomed Kate O’Sullivan to their Board of Directors.
O’Sullivan fills the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Ken Lay, who has stood down from his position on the Board to focus on his expanding professional opportunities.
O’Sullivan brings a wealth of experience to the Board, with her most recent assignment as chief executive officer of the Pegasus Leisure Group (subsidiary of the Melbourne Racing Club).
Leading the management of a 13-venue hospitality enterprise, O’Sullivan expanded the group by completing multiple acquisitions and merging the new entities into the portfolio. She is also the managing director of Portishead Pty Ltd, specialising in executive coaching for women.
She has held a Board member position at the Moonee Valley Racing Club and is also a member of the Marcus Oldham Agriculture College Council and Melbourne Girls Grammar School Foundation.
O’Sullivan said she was delighted to be joining the Board of Directors.
“As a lifelong supporter, I am honoured to be able to take up this opportunity. It is an exciting time to be joining the Essendon Football Club Board,” O’Sullivan said.
“I look forward to meaningfully contributing to the overall growth of the Board and progressing this fantastic organisation.”
President Lindsay Tanner welcomed Ms. O’Sullivan to the club.
“We’re delighted to welcome Kate to the Board, knowing she will add tremendous value and insight with her experience as an independent non-executive director in the sport, agriculture and education industries,” Tanner said.
“With Kate’s vast experience, she will assist in the Board’s ongoing strategic review of the club’s reliance on gaming as a revenue stream and how we can continue to challenge the parameters of our venues in their operations moving forward.
“Kate becomes our third female Board member alongside Melissa Green and Katie Lio, as we continue to have a balanced and diverse Board of Directors.
“Kate brings extensive experience to our club across various industries and we will be better for her contribution and leadership. We look forward to formally welcoming her to the role this month.
“On behalf of the Board, I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Ken (Lay) for his service. He has been a dedicated member of the Board, who contributed strongly to the steadying of this organisation from the time he was first appointed in 2015.
“We wish Ken, wife Chris and their family all the very best for their future endeavours.
“Along with the appointment of Peter Allen earlier this year, we have an incredibly committed Board of Directors with a wide-ranging skillset who will ensure this club remains well positioned for future success both on and off field.”
