Essendon today announced that Ray Gunston - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tattersalls - has been appointed as a club Director.

 
The club's constitution makes provision for the board to appoint a Director and Mr Gunston will seek to become an 'Elected Director' at the 2007 Annual General Meeting.

 

""This is a great opportunity for me to be involved in my club and to contribute to something that is a real passion,"" Mr Gunston said.

 

""I have always dreamed of being involved in Essendon and have been a member for 25 years and grew up down the road from Windy Hill in Oak Park.

 

""While I played in the VFA, running out for the Bombers was just a dream but by being on the board I can do the things I know best, business and finance, and try and add a bit of value to the club.""

 

Mr Gunston is also a life-member of the Strathmore Football Club, played in their 1984 premiership and has served on the committee. He also played in the 1980 Brunswick premiership and has coached Beaumaris juniors and helped coordinate Auskick in that area. 
 
Essendon Chairman, Ray Horsburgh, said Mr Gunston is an accomplished businessman.
 
""He brings considerable management and financial expertise and knowledge to our board. We are constantly looking for people with the right skill base to take the club forward in this new era and he will be a good addition,"" Mr Horsburgh said.
 

""He also has a strong background in grass-roots football and has played in the VFA so has good football knowledge.""

 

The married father of two, 50, has previously worked for the Victorian Government in Treasury, Portland Aluminium in business development,  PriceWaterhouse in financial risk management, Westpac and, for the past seven years, Tattersalls.

 

""During my time as CFO the company has changed from a $2 billion private company into a $5 plus billion capitalised company that is listed on the ASX in the top 60 or 70 companies,"" he said.

 

""We have taken the business through the float process and through a major merger and acquisitions.""