Collingwood’s imminent succession plan for the board and presidency will have to be endorsed by the club’s members in a contested election later this month and in December.
The current board’s designated preferred president, Barry Carp, is being backed by fellow director Renee Roberts and candidates Dan Rosen, a music industry executive, and Gaye Morris, a human resources expert.
Outgoing Pies president Jeff Browne.Credit: Getty Images
Carp, an investment funds manager, is slated to succeed departing president Jeff Browne, who is stepping down after three years at the helm. The Magpies also have to replace ex-Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate, who is finishing after nine years on the board.
Carp and his fellow board members have endorsed Rosen, who runs Warner Music Australia, and Morris.
The challengers are accountant John Couroyanmis and former Hume City council mayor Casey Nunn.
“I can confirm that six eligible members have nominated and, as such – with four vacancies – the election will be contested,” Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly told members in a statement.
The Magpies have spots available for four directors out of the seven-member board, which includes dual best and fairest and football director Paul Licuria, ex-player and past players’ president Paul Tuddenham and vice president Jodie Sizer.
The Magpies sent out statements from each of the six candidates to members late on Thursday. Carp and Roberts – a finance industry executive – joined the Collingwood board, on a ticket with Browne, at the end of 2021.
In his statement, Carp outlined the board’s four priorities.
He said he and Roberts had joined the board in 2021 to restore Collingwood to “number one, on and off the field”, adding: “With your support, we have record membership, significantly improved financial health, and most importantly, our 16th premiership.
“Now, as we look ahead, we seek your continued support to build on these foundations and take Collingwood to even greater heights. Our strategic priorities for the next phase are clear:
“1. Sustained success and winning more men’s and women’s premierships.
“2. Creating the best elite talent programs for our players, coaches, staff, and past players alike.
“3. Continuing to maintain and develop our elite high-performance facilities at the AIA Centre and preserving the legacy and improving the facilities of our spiritual home at Victoria Park.
“4. Enhancing the member experience and ensuring that our great club continues to live by and uphold the values of respect, inclusion, and cultural safety.”
Collingwood are close to finding the club’s next head of football to replace Graham Wright, who has gone to Carlton where he will take over as chief executive from Brian Cook in an orderly handover.
Voting for the board election opens on Friday, November 22 and closes on Monday, December 9. The annual general meeting will be held on December 16, when the results of the board election will be confirmed.
